News Clips

Hope for a better future

Posted on April 16th, 2010 by admin in News Clips

Exclusively featured in Latin Connection Magazine

By: Melissa Mireles, Media Relations – AVANCE, Inc.

For over 37 years AVANCE, Inc. has provided low-income, at-risk families with hope. Hope for a better future and the means in which to achieve personal levels of success.

The 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization offers comprehensive early childhood and parenting education and family support services to primarily Hispanic communities. With a research-proven program model that is preventative, community-based and two-generation focused, AVANCE provides parents with the tools to become active participants in their children’s lives and provides children (0 to 3 years of age) with the education needed to become prepared and engaged students. The Parent-Child Education Program reports more than 90% of AVANCE participant children outperform peers in Reading, Math, Writing and Science.

What began in a 500-unit public housing development serving 35 families has grown to more than 100 program sites across Texas as well as in California and New Mexico, serving tens of thousands of families annually through its signature Parent-Child Education Program and other diverse family-strengthening programs.

The organization is proud to have Texas Democratic Nominee and Texas House member, Rick Noriega as President and CEO of AVANCE. The Houston businessman and politician is spearheading national expansion efforts and looks forward to bridging the east and west coasts by providing AVANCE services and support throughout the U.S.

In honor of Noriega, AVANCE hosted an intimate mixer on March 9 at Absolutely Everything Catering and Restaurant. The event allowed various San Antonio community leaders to formally meet and greet the new President and CEO while getting a first-hand account for what AVANCE provides to local communities. Nine AVANCE toddlers between the ages of 24 and 36 months cheerfully welcomed Noriega by singing their signature “AVANCE Estrellitas” song in both English and Spanish for the President and his guests. Former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Henry Cisneros served as keynote speaker while Senior Vice President of IBC Bank – San Antonio, Eddie Aldrete emceed.