Press Releases

San Antonio, TX – August 16, 2011
by John Michael Johnson, Communications Specialist

AVANCE, Inc. participated in an online conversation Sunday, August, 14th during the second annual MSNBC Special A Stronger America – Making the Grade. Members of the AVANCE, Inc. National Staff spent two consecutive hours tweeting and commenting on Facebook while watching the Making the Grade Special. By participating on Twitter and Facebook, AVANCE, Inc. further developed the already robust education conversation taking place on TV and shared thoughts with concerned Americans across the nation.

The Making the Grade Special was part of a week-long MSNBC initiative, A Stronger America, which highlighted various education topics including early childhood development, higher education, teacher performance, parent and community involvement, and economics. MSNBC organized the event with support from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation and invited multiple education experts to take part in the discussion.  Sharlonda Buckman, Executive Director of Detroit’s Parent Network and one of the experts on the show explained, “Parents strongly desire quality education for their children, and we have to meet that with support”. Buckman’s compassionate attitude toward parent involvement is shared by AVANCE, Inc., and it is encouraging that the importance of parents being their child’s first teachers was expressed on this national stage.

The Making the Grade Special was a positive conversation for those concerned with the education system in our nation, unfortunately it did not emphasize the importance of parent-child education and family support services. Kristin-Rudy Martinez commented on AVANCE Inc.’s Facebook status in support of early education saying, “Disappointed with coverage on early ed issue. Thank you AVANCE for making it a priority for the underserved in our communities.” Only two brief sections of the show focused on early childhood education and parent involvement, while the majority of the show focused on teachers, higher education, and economics.

Parent-child education and family support services resolve education problems by providing support and education in the beginning of life, rather than waiting for bad habits to develop and lost opportunities to occur. Over the next year AVANCE, Inc. will work hard to bring the issue of early childhood education and parental involvement into the forefront of national media. Social networking is one way AVANCE, Inc. will expand the education dialogue and discover new ways to empower communities across the nation. To continue the dialogue join AVANCE at facebook.com/AVANCEinc and twitter.com/AVANCEinc.

The Next Big Thing

NBC News’ Education Nation Summit the week of September, 25^th will bring policy makers, academic experts, teachers, parents, and others together to continue the education dialogue. Education programming will air on many of NBC’s affiliate channels during the week and culminate with the summit in New York, NY.

Sunday, July 10, 2011 – Letter from the White House | Office of Public Engagement

AVANCE, Inc. National Office –  AVANCE’s President and CEO, Rick Noriega, will join other Latino Leaders to participate in the White House Hispanic Policy Conference.

The event takes place in D.C. on Monday, July 11th and Tuesday, July 12th and will focus on President Obama’s ongoing agenda that was laid out in the White House Initiative Report, “Winning the Future”.  The report looks at how to secure prosperity for Hispanics.  The President made it clear that the most important contest we face today is not between Democrats and Republicans, but rather America’s contest with competitors across the globe for the jobs and industries of our time and how Hispanics will play an integral role.

As a national Hispanic leader in our community, AVANCE’s Rick Noriega, was invited to participate in the two day policy conference.  “I am very honored to be invited and to represent AVANCE.  This conference will provide a rare opportunity for me to meet with key Obama Administration officials and to network with other key leaders in our country.  AVANCE is a leading national agency in early childhood education, and we are already impacting America’s future.  This year alone AVANCE’s Parent-Child Education Program has expanded to seven additional states with high need Hispanic communities,” said Noriega.

The conference will cover issues such as jobs, economy, health care, education, civil rights, and immigration.

Learn more at White House Initiative on Education Excellence for Hispanics facebook page and watch the LIVE webcast of the plenary session and the daylong of breakout sessions at www.whitehouse.gov/live.

A report on “Winning the Future: President Obama’s Agenda and the Hispanic Community,” can be found on www.whitehouse.gov/hispanic and by clicking HERE.

AVANCE, Inc. offers an early intervention program to parents with children 0 to 3 years of age.  Since 1973, AVANCE has provided innovative education and family support services to predominantly Hispanic families in low-income, high-need communities.  What began in a 500-unit public housing development serving 35 families in San Antonio has expanded to more than 150 program sites serving thousands across the country.  For more, visit www.avance.org

AVANCE, Inc. National will hold a Press Conference at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. starting with a networking lunch at noon and press conference at 12:30 pm on Tuesday, June 21^st in the Murrow Room to announce the official launch of the Unlocking America’s Potential Project (UAPP), a $12.6 million grant funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to expand AVANCE’s Parent-Child Education Program (PCEP) throughout communities across the country.  

Congressman Charles A. Gonzalez, Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro – both strong supporters of AVANCE – will join AVANCE Board Chairman Dean Aguillen and President and CEO Richard J. Noriega to remark about how educational attainment programs, like AVANCE, directly align with ensuring the country’s economic competitiveness and national security.

With this grant, AVANCE is well-poised to make a strategic and long-term impact in the economy by providing low-income parents and their children the tools they need to be successful in school and ultimately secure higher paying jobs.  Over the next five years AVANCE will expand to 12 new sites through partnerships with organizations that already serve Hispanic communities and implement a research study to adapt their program to three other minority groups – specifically African Americans, American Indians, and Hispanics of non-Mexican descent. The ultimate goal of this project is to develop, document and share innovative ideas for strengthening our communities in a global society by helping children and their families.  In the past six months, AVANCE expanded to seven additional states via the UAPP re-grant monies, providing even more families with hope for a better future. 

Attending the press conference will be Elida Galindo, an 1973 AVANCE graduate who will share her story about being 18 years old, a single mother with three children, living on welfare.  She had no job, no money, and no education.  Then AVANCE came knocking on her door.  “AVANCE changed my life.  They taught me to be a better mother and helped me get my GED.  I was able to go to college and my dream came true, I became a Nurse.  If everyone was encouraged like I was, then the world would be a better place and everyone would say, ‘Oh yes, I can do it,’ and when you feel better about yourself, you make your children feel better about themselves, and they say, ‘If Mom can do it, then I can to.’ ” 

• Representatives from the four re-grant sites and research partners will also be available:
  Family Partnership Center in Bradenton, Florida
  El Buen Pastor Latino Community Services in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
  Casa Guanajuato Quad Cities in Moline, Illinois
  Ready by Five in Yakima, Washington 
  La Casa de Don Pedro in Newark, New Jersey
  The Excellence Foundation for Parents and Children, Inc. in Brooklyn, New York
  National Institute of Early Education Research (NIEER). 

RSVP to Cleo Garcia, Communications Manager at or call 210-230-9661  

More ABOUT AVANCE, Inc.

AVANCE, Inc. offers an early intervention program to parents with children 0 to 3 years of age.This evidence-based program model is preventative, community-based and two-generation focused.

Since 1973, AVANCE has provided innovative education and family support services to predominantly Hispanic families in low-income, high-need communities.  What began in a 500-unit public housing development serving 35 families in San Antonio has expanded to more than 140 program sites serving thousands of families across Texas, California and New Mexico and seven additional states as part of the expansion project.

The free, nine month curriculum consists of weekly parent education classes and home visits with special topics which recognize the great importance of reading, effective discipline and a well-balanced nutrition.

The comprehensive Parent-Child Education Program promotes community economic development, positive parenting skills and behaviors, school readiness, parental school involvement, adult education, and civic engagement for a simultaneous impact on both the parent and child. The program has improved the school readiness of children and has had a strong impact on Latino families through partnerships with community-based organizations.

AVANCE was recognized this past May by Hispanic Business Magazine for the fourth consecutive year as one of the “Top 25 Nonprofits”.  The effectiveness of the AVANCE Program has been featured in the New York Times, ABC World News Tonight, McNeil Lehrer Newshour, Parade Magazine, Parent’s Magazine and has been included in books by three first ladies; Hillary Rodham Clinton’s, It takes a Village, Barbara Bush’s, First Teachers and Rosylnn Carter’s, Helping Someone with Mental Illness.

 ABOUT W.K. KELLOGG FOUNDATION

Established in 1930, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation supports children, families and communities as they strengthen and create conditions that propel vulnerable children to achieve success as individuals and as contributors to the larger community and society. Grants are concentrated in the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean, and southern Africa.

For further information, please visit the Foundation’s website at www.wkkf.org.

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AVANCE, Inc. (National Office) – Reclaiming the Ten Spot

San Antonio, TX – (May 13, 2011) – AVANCE, Inc. just moved up two notches to reclaim the number ten spot in Hispanic Business Magazine’s 2011 list of “Top 25 Nonprofits.” This is the fourth consecutive year the San Antonio-based national organization has been recognized for its work assisting Hispanic communities.

“The past two years have been challenging for AVANCE, but also the most rewarding,” said AVANCE’s President and CEO, Rick Noriega.  “Our team, the AVANCE family, has worked tirelessly to keep us on track and we are honored to be amongst some of the finest of who’s who in the Hispanic arena.”

The agency received $12.6 million this past year, the largest grant award in their history, from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation.  The monies are for the expansion of their Parent-Child Education Program via the Unlocking America’s Potential Project.  Already they have expanded to seven additional states.

“These are exciting times for AVANCE.  The tremendous efforts of many people over the past 38 years are now paying off and our goal to expand AVANCE is now a reality.  By 2015 we will have established 15 new sites across the U.S.,” stated Noriega.

Though the agency reached a milestone in securing one of the largest grant awards in its history they still have many obstacles to overcome.  According to Noriega they are developing a marketing plan to license their Parent-Child Program and are seeking funding from the business sector to offset the costs associated with the research, evaluation, and marketing of their program.  “$12.6 million seems like a lot of money, but it is money already spent,” said Noriega.  “We are still challenged to raise additional monies to support existing programs and infrastructure.  As governmental and foundation support dwindles it becomes imperative we incorporate other funding options and innovative practices.  Our program is a necessity, an investment in America’s future, because I see AVANCE playing a major role in winning the future of Latino Education.”

For more than 38 years the nonprofit has been committed to serving low-income, at-risk Hispanic populations. Through the evidenced-based “Parent-Child Education Program” and other support services, AVANCE provides education and assistance to thousands of Hispanic families each year.

 “The success of AVANCE is not just about good planning or good business; it’s about our staff, our devoted employees.  I’ve never seen such a group of passionate workers.  We all care about giving back to the community and making a difference.  At the end of the day our successes aren’t weighed by how much money we made, but on how many parents and children did we help,” said Noriega.

In 2010, AVANCE put over $44 million back into the communities they serve.

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AVANCE, Inc. (National Office) – AVANCE’s Unlocking America’s Potential Project (UAPP) Announces re-grant awards & research partners

San Antonio, TX – (April 8, 2010) – The National office of AVANCE, Inc., announces the award of $50,000 each in re-grant monies to four non-profit agencies to help with initial setup costs to implement the AVANCE program.  The agencies chosen are: Family Partnership Center in Bradenton, Florida; El Buen Pastor Latino Community Services in Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Casa Guanajuato Quad Cities in Moline, Illinois and Ready by Five in Yakima, Washington.  Each of these non-profit agencies already serves low-income Hispanic families and were chosen for their alignment with AVANCE’s mission and their ability to sustain the program. 

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation of Battle Creek, Michigan awarded AVANCE’s Unlocking America’s Potential Project (UAPP) a  grant to expand their evidence-based Parent-Child Education Program (PCEP) nationally.  As part of this grant, AVANCE  established three new research-partner sites.  The sites are located at Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa in Cloquet, Minnesota; La Casa de Don Pedro in Newark, New Jersey; and at the Excellence Foundation for Parents and Children, Inc. in Brooklyn, New York.  The purpose of the research sites is to assist AVANCE in culturally adapting the Parent-Child program for three distinct ethnic communities – African-American, American Indian, and Hispanic non-Mexican (of Latin American origin other than Mexico).  The New Jersey and New York research partners will visit the San Antonio Chapter and National Office the week of April 11th to see the PCEP in action.

Another component of the Kellogg grant challenges AVANCE to secure an additional $1.5 million for the National Institute of Early Education Research (NIEER) to conduct a study on the adaptation of the model program for these three new ethnic groups.  AVANCE continues to seek support to meet this challenge, which would ensure the expansion of vital services to families most in need.  The ultimate goal of this project is to develop, document and share innovative ideas for strengthening our communities in a global society.

AVANCE, Inc. is one of the oldest and largest parent and early childhood education programs in the country. Since 1973, AVANCE has continued to provide innovative education and family support services to predominantly Hispanic families in low-income, at-risk communities.   What began in a 500-unit public housing development serving 35 families in San Antonio has expanded to more than 100 program sites across Texas, California and New Mexico.  With the recent re-grant AVANCE has added seven additional states, just in the past 4 months, providing even more families with hope for a better future.

The comprehensive Parent-Child Education Program promotes community economic development, positive parenting skills and behaviors, school readiness, parental school involvement, adult education, and civic engagement for a simultaneous impact on both the parent and child. The program has improved the school readiness of children and has had a strong impact on Latino families through partnerships with community-based organizations.

 For more information contact Cleo Garcia, Communications Manager at cgarcia.nat@avance.org

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NEWS BLAST - AVANCE’s Unlocking America’s Potential Project (UAPP) ANNOUCES 4 NEW PARTNER SITES. 

We are pleased to announce AVANCE has chosen the 4 re-grant partner sites from the submitted proposals in response to the recent RFP.  Please see below for the locations:

Family Partnership Center – Bradenton, Florida

El Buen Pastor Latino Community Services – Winston/Salem, North Carolina

Casa Guanajuato Quad Cities – Moline, Illinois

Ready by Five – Yakima, Washington

AVANCE appreciates the time and effort to all those who submitted proposals. 

For more information call Ruth Dreher, Assistant Project Manager/Research Analyst, at 210-270-4630 X668.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Cleo Garcia, Communications Manager 210-270-4630 x661 cgarcia.nat@avance.org

Linda Valencia accepts award from Susan Marsh with TAPE

Denton, Texas – March 18, 2011  AVANCE, Inc. was honored by the Texas Association of Parent Educators (TAPE) with the “Best Practices Award” for their Parent-Child Education Program.  The presentation took place at the 19th International Conference on Parent Education at the University Of North Texas.  The award is presented to an outstanding parent education, parent involvement, and family support program or group. 

Linda Valencia, AVANCE Senior Director of Fund Development, accepted the award from TAPE’s representative Susan March, M.ED.,CFLE.   “I am proud to accept the award on behalf of AVANCE, Inc.,” said Valencia, “This honor is a confirmation of the effectiveness of our Parent-Child Education Program and we are truly grateful to have been selected to receive this award.”

AVANCE is one of the oldest and largest parenting/early childhood programs in the country.  Its main objective is to reverse the trend of low educational attainment among the growing Latino population.  AVANCE was founded in 1973.   

2008 marked the organization’s 35^th Anniversary of helping predominantly Hispanic parents of children birth to three years of age become their children’s first teacher, best advocate and critical educational partner utilizing a unique and empirically proven approach to school readiness and academic achievement! This powerful and effective program focuses on parenting education and family support, early childhood development, brain development, literacy, and school readiness.

Based in San Antonio, Texas, AVANCE has more than 100 sites across Texas, California and New Mexico with a $46 million budget.  The nine-month program consists of weekly parent education classes with special topics that range from the importance of reading, effective discipline and nutrition to toy-making sessions to promote teaching through play and connections with other social service programs to alleviate stress that impede effective parenting and to promote self-sufficiency.  Home visits, early childhood education and transportation are also part of the model and they play a vital role in the program’s success.  Parents also attend classes in literacy learning English and obtaining their G.E.D. and college education.  Program services are located in housing projects, churches, community centers and schools.

True to its name, which means “moving forward” in Spanish,  AVANCE helps parents who are most at risk to move forward with their parenting skills, their own personal and educational development and their place in society.  It also helps children succeed in school, become productive, responsible, contributing members of society and future leaders in their communities.

AVANCE has been recognized by several presidential administrations and the national print and electronic media as a program that transforms lives and produces positive results.  Distinguished guests that have visited AVANCE include, former first ladies Barbara Bush, Rosalyn Carter and HRH Prince Charles of Wales.  The effectiveness of  the AVANCE Program has been featured in the New York Times, ABC World News Tonight, McNeil Lehrer Newshour, Parade Magazine, Parent’s Magazine and has been included in books by three first ladies; Hillary Rodham Clinton’s, “It takes a Village,” Barbara Bush’s, “First Teachers” and Rosylnn Carter’s, “Helping Someone with Mental Illness“.