Press Releases

Early education programs to reach needy Texas families

Posted on May 26th, 2010 by admin in Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Melissa Mireles, Media Relations 210-230-9663 MMireles.nat@avance.org

AVANCE, Inc. receives over $900,000 for Early Head Start programs

SAN ANTONIO – (May 26, 2010) – The Department of Health and Human Services announced national nonprofit, AVANCE, Inc. has been awarded almost $950,000 for early education programs as part of a competitive grant created under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009.

Congressman Charles Gonzalez (TX 20) congratulated AVANCE on this honor.

“By investing in early childhood development, we are preparing our children to make the most of their educations and of their lives, laying the groundwork for their future success,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “There is no better partner in this effort than AVANCE.”

The Early Head Start ARRA Expansion Grant Project was created in April to use funds from the Recovery Act to provide early childhood education for children less than three years of age. Early Head Start (EHS) was created nearly 16 years ago after research supported the vital role that care plays within the early years of a child’s life.

This grant will provide programming support to Hidalgo and Val Verde counties through 2011. Specifically, 100 low-income families with infants and toddlers and pregnant women will be served. Of these, 70 children will be served in Hidalgo County and 30 children from Val Verde County. The communities to be targeted for services are the colonias that exist within these two regions.

“AVANCE, Inc. would like to thank Congressman Charlie Gonzalez and the Texas delegation for directing these funds to one of the most impoverished areas of our state. For nearly 40 years, AVANCE has been committed to strengthening families and promoting early childhood education. There is perhaps no greater need than in South Texas,” said AVANCE, Inc. President and CEO, Rick Noriega.

Since 1973, AVANCE has been committed to providing innovative education and family support services to predominately Hispanic families in underprivileged communities. Dedicated to promoting school readiness and supporting family engagement AVANCE proudly serves as the national model and best practice of early childhood education for parents, teachers, the scientific community and general public.

AVANCE currently provides EHS services in Houston and San Antonio.

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