Press Releases

ANTHONY, NM – (August 19, 2010) – Through a $31,250 county grant, AVANCE – New Mexico will be providing parenting education classes to the village of Hatch, located just 30 miles northwest of Las Cruces. Known as the “Chile Capital of the World” Hatch, is a predominately agricultural community with many of its residents farm workers. The Dona Ana County Grant will specifically cover operating expenses for the two Hatch Valley classes in addition to personnel salaries and other costs associated with these classes.

Rocio Barajas, recent AVANCE-El Paso graduate, earns Adult Learner of the Year honors

EL PASO – (August 10, 2010) – In an awards ceremony, AVANCE mother, Rocio Barajas received her Adult Learner of the Year Award from Literacy Texas at their annual conference on August 9 in Austin, Texas.

“We are so proud of how far Rocio has come in just two years with our program, and we thank Literacy Texas for recognizing her accomplishments,” said Nydia P. Correa, Executive Director, AVANCE-El Paso.  “With Literacy Texas’ acknowledgment of our services, it shows that our program is truly having an impact on hundreds of El Paso families each year.  Our adult literacy and parenting classes helped more than 650 parents like Rocio this past year alone.  We look forward to continuing to serve the El Paso community as we prepare to kick off the new program year in just a couple weeks.”

Literacy Texas is the statewide coalition for Texas, connecting and equipping literacy programs through resources, training, networking and advocacy. Their mission is to build capacity for established and emerging literacy coalitions, community-based organizations and adult education programs to improve literacy levels in Texas.

Presenting Barajas with her award was Texas Literacy President Gloria Moritz

 A brief excerpt from Rocio’s award winning story:

When first arriving at the AVANCE program, Rocio did not understand or speak any English.  A model student, she attended classes daily and had perfect attendance.  After one year in the classroom, Rocio would have been able to complete her GED in Spanish; however, with the encouragement of her teacher, she studied to take the test in English.  Just last month, she enthusiastically reported that she passed her tests and now has her GED.

At the AVANCE program, most of our students walk through our doors without speaking English.  There are also several who study to take the GED, but there are only a few that are dedicated enough to learn and test in a new language.  By passing the GED in English, Rocio is now on her way to pursue her dreams of becoming a nurse.  She recently enrolled in the local community college to begin her basics and has received a scholarship from a local foundation.

Rocio has a commitment for her learning, but she was devoted to ensuring her fellow students excelled as well.  She served as a cheerleader for her colleagues and encouraged them to push themselves to do better.  The attendance of many of the students was due in part to Rocio’s support.  Rocio’s caring personality has not only helped those in her class, but the Even Start program at the school as a whole. 

Not only was Rocio a huge help in the classroom, but she agreed to assist the AVANCE program by volunteering her time and going out into the community to teach others about the impact the program is having on neighborhoods all over the region.  In speaking to crowd of over 300 people, they were brought to tears when they heard how Rocio and her family fled a violent stricken home and found themselves in a local shelter.  It was when Rocio enrolled her children in school that she learned about the AVANCE program and the benefits it could bring to her youngest child, herself, and her family as a whole.

AVANCE Inc. President & CEO Rick Noriega, Rocio Barajas, Literacy Texas President Gloria Moritz and Literacy Texas Director Debbie Johnson, AVANCE – El Paso Exec. Director Nydia Correa

DALLAS – (August 6, 2010) – The Texas Association for Literacy and Adult Education (TALAE) voted Anne Thomas, operations manager of AVANCE – Dallas to their board of directors. She will be representing the north Texas region. For over 10 years AVANCE – Dallas has been an active member of TALAE, a statewide association emphasizing the importance of professional development for adult educators.

Thomas specifically oversees the English as Second Language and GED programs. Currently, AVANCE – Dallas’ Adult Literacy program is expanding, adding additional sites and class levels to better serve participants. Last year the classes were opened to graduates of the chapter program where they saw their greatest numbers to date. Congratulations Anne on your contributions to AVANCE and your election to the TALAE Board.

Since 1968, TALAE has been targeting four areas for Texas Literacy Educators: Leadership, Professional Growth, the promotion of Adult Education and Linkage to other organizations interested in Literacy. For more information on TALEA, visit their website www-tcall.tamu.edu/talae/.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

El Paso’s AVANCE receives $6,500 from the UPS Foundation towards financial literacy education

EL PASO, TX – (July 29, 2010) – The UPS Foundation announced AVANCE-El Paso’s award for $6,500 to support the financial literacy component of its adult literacy classes.

“With the financial assistance of the UPS Foundation, AVANCE is able to educate low-income Hispanic families about making the right choices when it comes to their finances,” said Nydia P. Correa, Executive Director, AVANCE-El Paso.  “We are proud to call UPS a partner in our efforts to educate families in our region.”

With many families struggling during these tough economic times, it is important to provide educational avenues to get them on the right track.  Funding from the UPS Foundation will help cover the costs incurred with delivering the financial literacy curriculum to adult participants. 

While AVANCE-El Paso administers the AVANCE Parent-Child Education curriculum at 17 school sites, funding restrictions allow for only 11 of these sites to offer ESL (English as Second Language) classes and merely six sites to offer GED classes. The organization needs additional support from others, like UPS to continue changing the lives of low-income, at-risk families.

For several years now, local UPS employees have contributed greatly to the program through a number of volunteer efforts.  In particular, employees have strengthened AVANCE’s efforts at the Robert F. Kennedy Pre-K site by contributing to a number of literacy activities, such as: 

• Participating in “conversation circles” with ESL students to help in aiding their progress towards developing English speaking skills
• Assisting and tutoring adult ESL and GED students in the five GED subject areas of reading, writing, math, social studies and science.  Tutoring is done both on an individual and group basis
• Presenting to students about possible career paths available to them as well as special topics related to the volunteers’ area of expertise
• Reading to children one to four years of age in the child center as well as engaging children in arts and crafts, puzzles, and other educational activities.

 For more information,  please contact AVANCE – El Paso ‘s Taylor Moreno, Assistant Executive Director at 915-204-2246

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SAN ANTONIO – (July 26, 2010) – AVANCE, Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Dean Aguillen as chairman of the national board of directors. Aguillen will represent a strong team dedicated to providing early childhood and parenting education to low-income, at-risk Hispanic communities throughout the U.S.

“We are delighted to have Dean Aguillen as our national board chairman. It is through our board’s distinguished work and deep commitment that AVANCE ensures its success to better serve families across the nation. We congratulate Mr. Aguillen and anticipate his great service to the organization” said AVANCE, Inc. President & CEO, Rick Noriega.”

 Aguillen, a Senior Vice President of Ogilvy Government Relations was named one of the “100 Most Influential Hispanics” in the U.S. by Hispanic Business Magazine in 2007. Prior to joining Ogilvy, he served as a senior advisor and director of member services in the office of Speaker Nancy Pelosi for 10 years. He has been a member of the AVANCE, Inc. National Board of Directors and its executive committee for the past two years.

 “It is truly an honor to have been elected this year’s chairman of the national board of directors of AVANCE, Inc. Over the last year, AVANCE has experienced many positive changes on its quest to become the national model for parent-child education. I am humbled to be in this position at this critical time in our organization’s history,” said Aguillen.

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 a national model and best practice of early childhood education for parents, teachers, the scientific community and general public.

 (Photo Courtesy of Ogilvy Government Relations) 

Who:    National nonprofit, AVANCE, Inc. and the National Council of La Raza (NCLR)

What:  “2010 NCLR Annual Conference and National Latino Family Expo”           

The 2010 NCLR Annual Conference  and National Latino Family Expo is heading to the Alamo City.  As a proud member of the host committee, AVANCE, Inc. welcomes the distinguished organization and invites all AVANCE participants and supporters to take part in the festivities.

Where:  Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center and Grand Hyatt San Antonio

200 E. Market St. San Antonio, Texas  

When:  Saturday, July 10-13                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 National Family Expo – Sat. & Sun. 10:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. & Mon. 10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Expo is free and open to the public!  For more information, please visit the NCLR website: www.nclr.org.

Contact:  Melissa Mireles, Media Relations Associate 

AVANCE, Inc. — (210) 230-9663                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            MMireles.nat@avance.org

EL PASO, TX – (June 27, 2010) –  Through a $75,000 grant provided by The Meadows Foundation, El Paso’s AVANCE will be able to increase local AmeriCorps efforts while introducing the program to AVANCE – Dallas

Since 1990, AmeriCorps has offered opportunities for all adults to serve through a network of partnerships with local and national nonprofit groups, such as AVANCE, Inc. Through volunteering, AmeriCorp members are eligible to earn academic scholarships towards attending college or graduate school and paying student loans.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

AVANCE – Waco’s Even Start program receives acclaim from Texas LEARNS and McLennan Community College

WACO, TX – (June 24, 2010) – Though AVANCE – Waco’s Even Start program has only been operating for one year, the education community is taking notice. Texas LEARNS, an organization that provides nondiscretionary grant management functions, program assistance and other statewide support services to Texas Adult Education and Family Literacy Providers has commended the Even Start program for an impressive first year performance.

“You had an outstanding first year. It is unusual for first year programs to implement the program to the degree that you have done so. Congratulations to all of you. Nice work,” writes Elizabeth B. Thompson, Assistant Director and State Even Start and Family Literacy Coordinator of Texas LEARNS.

Texas LEARNS is not the only one with eyes on AVANCE Waco. McLennan Community College’s Adult Education Local Advisory Committee has awarded the Even Start program for “Highest Average Hourly Attendance” of students. The community college provides the program’s Adult Basic Education Instructors.

“The AVANCE – Waco Chapter proudly accepted this recognition for outstanding services. The Waco Chapter and the McLennan Community College, Adult Basic Education Program have been collaborating for the past eight years. Our success can be attributed to the dedication and commitment of both staff,” said Kretcha M. Roldan-Rodriguez, Executive Director of AVANCE – Waco.

In addition to Waco, AVANCE also provides Even Start services in its El Paso chapter.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Houston’s AVANCE receives honors from The Mexican Institute of Greater Houston

HOUSTON – (June 14, 2010) – Over 100 AVANCE families were honored June 13 at The Mexican Institute of Greater Houston’s (MIGH) yearly graduation, “Dia de la Familia” (Family Day) at the George R. Brown Convention Center. This event celebrates the accomplishments of nearly 900 computer literacy program graduates from various community institutions, including AVANCE who partners with MIGH to offer these classes.

With a total of 102 graduates, AVANCE – Houston received the Golden Eagle Award for achieving the highest graduation rate. This honor is awarded by MIGH to recognize outstanding efforts made by those who envision and excel at helping those who dream of succeeding in life.

Honorable Norberto Terrazas, Consul of Mexico presented the award to AVANCE’s executive director, Jose Villarreal. In addition, Ms. Ana Lilia Garcia, a computer literacy instructor was recognized as “Teacher of the Year.” Ms. Garcia is a proud graduate of AVANCE’s CDA and Computer Literacy program, and her two children participated in the organization’s Head Start Program at Mt. Houston. After successfully completing the program at AVANCE with an outstanding performance, she was hired by MIGH and assigned to teach computer literacy at AVANCE.

This 16 week program encompasses the basic understanding of computer hardware and software including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel, word processing, file management, e-mail, and web browsing.

Garcia says that her greatest satisfaction is witnessing the self-confidence that students gain upon completing the course. “The first day of class they have a hard time touching the computer because they’re afraid to break it, but by the end of the course they become experts and it is just amazing to see how they interact and help each other out,” she said.

In addition, she encourages her students to foster their education by taking advanced classes and to always pursue their dreams. Her alumni are now enrolled in AVANCE’s English as Second Language (ESL), Parenting, Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood programs, which begin in Fall 2010.

The Mexican Institute of Greater Houston partners with schools and organizations to provide basic education training to underserved Hispanic families. In addition to offering the programs in its own facility, MIGH partners with other providers and assigns them with highly qualified instructors to teach the programs in each facility. During “Dia de la Familia” the partnering agencies, including schools in Houston ISD, Aldine ISD, Klein ISD, Galena Park, Sheldon ISD, Spring Branch ISD, and programs at the YMCA, NCI, and others joined together to honor all the graduates.

“For us at MIGH to see our students walking up the stage, is one of the most relevant motivators we have to reinvigorate our commitment to our mission of changing lives for a better tomorrow,” said Carlos J. Lopez, President of MIGH. Special guests for this event included Dolly Martin from KHCB Radio Amistad, Raul Rivera Enterate Radio 920AM, and Georgina F. Serna Hernandez director of education for El Tec de Monterrey in Mexico, who partners with MIGH.

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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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