The popular Spanish language radio show “Entérate el Poder de la Información”
on Channel 920 AM is currently hosting a series of interactive radio
broadcasts presenting the AVANCE- Houston Fatherhood Program’s special
series titled “The Quest for Family Excellence”, where Hector Rodriguez the
Program Coordinator, takes phone calls from the audience and speaks about
all AVANCE-Houston offers to our community.
Coming soon "The Brutal Truth series.
AVANCE- Houston, está presentando una serie de temas radiales a través de la
frecuencia 920 AM en el programa: “Entérate el Poder de la Información”.
A continuación podrá escuchar algunos apartes del tema titulado: “En busca
de la Excelencia Familiar” grabado el día 8 de Junio por Héctor Rodríguez,
coordinador de Formación y Desarrollo de Padres.
Espere el programa titulado: “La Cruda Realidad”.
Radio
Show June 8, 2010 - Spanish only audio clips
Nuestra Vida (Spanish)- Univisión Houston (KXLN-TV) -
Jul.24.2010 -
Interview with Nilia Jiménez, AVANCE-Houston's Sr.
Director of Marketing, who spoke to the community about
all the programs that AVANCE-Houston, Inc. has to offer
to parents and children, with special emphasis on the
Parent and Child Program (Parenting) and a special note
on the groundbreaking series of The Brutal Truth
- Preventing Family Violence (classes coming soon and
will be available both in English and Spanish).
Mangum Education-Recruitment Carnival
June 26 2010
AVANCE
Houston Economic Forum Featuring Dr. Stephen Klineberg
AVANCE hosted a forum at the Federal Reserve Bank on
October 22, 2009 to discuss the future of the Houston economy, Over 100
guests were in attendance, including AVANCE board members, supporters,
media, and community leaders.
Read story
AVANCE Houston and The National alliance for Hispanic Families
Town Hall Meeting.
Univision News,
September 16th 2009
Gas Prices Hit
Charities Hard
Local charities are forced to curtail their services and with fewer volunteers
as they cope with the rise in fuel prices. A local banking institution offers
relief and challenges other corporations to step up to help.
Read..
Mangum Education-Recruitment Carnival
June 26 2010
AVANCE’s Computer Literacy Program earns
Golden Eagle
Award and Teacher of The Year recognition
Over
100 AVANCE families were honored Sunday June 13th, as The Mexican Institute
of Greater Houston (MIGH) hosted its yearly graduation “Dia de la Familia
(Family Day)” at the George R. Brown Convention Center. This event
celebrated the accomplishments of nearly 900 graduates from Computer
Literacy programs from various institutions in the community including
AVANCE who partners with MIGH to offer these classes. With a total of 102
graduates, AVANCE-Houston Inc. received the Golden Eagle Award for achieving
the highest graduation rate.. The eagle 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 graduate of AVANCE’S
CDA and Computer Literacy program, and her two children participated in the
agency’s Head Start Program at Mt. Houston. After successfully completing
the program at AVANCE with outstanding performance she was hired by the
Mexican Institute and assigned to teach computer literacy at AVANCE.
This 16 week program encompasses the basic understanding of computer
hardware and software including Microsoft Word’s, word processing,
PowerPoint, excel, file management, e- mail, and web browsing.
Garcia says that her greatest satisfaction is witnessing the self-confidence
the 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 further their education by taking
higher level classes, and to always pursue their dreams. Her alumni are now
are now enrolled in AVANCE’s English as Second Language (ESL), Parenting,
Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood programs, which will begin Fall
2010.
The Mexican Institute of Greater Houston partners with schools and
organizations to provide basic education training to under-served 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 collaborating agencies which include 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, a partners with
MIGH.
For three consecutive years AVANCE has been recognized nationally by
Hispanic Business Magazine as one of the top nonprofit organizations in the
U.S.Article Published The Leader
AVANCE-HOUSTON, INC. PRESENTED THE BRUTAL TRUTH
PROJECT
A Family Violence Prevention Program
AVANCE-Houston,
Inc hosted a Brunch on Friday May 21st, to celebrate the launch of The
Brutal Truth Project: Protecting the Family from Violence, a program that
the agency will offer in English and Spanish to educate communities and
families about the critical issue of violence.
During this event AVANCE facilitators did a brief demonstration with parents
in a classroom setting to show the guests how the class will be taught using
the training materials, which include the facilitators’ manual and parents’
manual developed by AVANCE, and the video “ The Brutal Truth Protecting the
Family from Violence,”
Co-produced by Carrie Woliver and Dr. Keith Robinson, who were present for
this event along with Rick Christie, director of the film.
Other special guests included the event Co-chairs Linda K. May from The
Simmons Foundation and AVANCE Board Treasurer Tanya Allen-Easter, Judge of
309th Family District Court Meca Walker, Judge and candidate for Family
Violence Court Lynn Bradshaw Hull, Dr. Glenn Wilkerson president of Adults
Relating to Kids (ARK) group, along with representatives from various
foundations, agencies and the Houston Independent School District (HISD).
The demonstration focused on the topic of “bullying” which also covered
Cyber-bullying. “Statistics show that 35% of threats to children occur
online, and 58% of these kids are not telling their parents,” said Dr.
Robinson. “How can parents help their children if they don’t know that this
issue is affecting them?” “That is AVANCE’s challenge, to inform and educate
them,” he added.
Parents were given tips on ways to identify if their children are being
bullied or are bullying and how to address and prevent the issue from
occurring.
AVANCE recognizes that family violence is an ongoing problem throughout the
community, and the agency welcomes the opportunity to other providers to
join this campaign to reduce family violence.
In addition to bullying, the program covers the following topics: Shaken
Baby, Sexual Abuse, Self Esteem, Discipline, Abuse vs Neglect, Temper
Tantrum, When You Blow It, and Good Parenting.
Purchase a $20 ticket and $10
goes back to AVANCE promo code: dynamo
Houston Dynamo Charities Initiative
-
Collaboration with the Houston Dynamos and the ability to purchase
tickets for Dynamo games with a contribution to AVANCE for each
ticket sold thru the AVANCE/Dynamo website.
Ticket Purchase
Instructions: 1. Click on
here
to access Ticketmaster site
2. Choose a game date and then click on find tickets
button
3. Enter password in the Special Offer Code Box
(Password is DYNAMO)
4. If code accepted you should see a green circle with a
check mark
5. Sign in if you have an account, if not create an
account on the right side of the page by entering your
email address then clicking Sign Up
6. Use the drop down box to choose the amount of ticket
and select best available then click continue
7. Use the Ticket fast delivery method and click
continue
8. Review your order and enter your credit card
information and click submit order
9. Print out your tickets
AVANCE’S
Head Start
Parent
Conference:
Strong Families...Successful Children
AVANCE
held its
annual Head
Start
Parent
conference
on
Saturday
March 27
at the
Crown
Plaza
hotel. Nearly
250
parents
of the
agency’s
Head
Start program
gathered
to
participate
in a
variety
of
educational
workshops
and
listen
to the
empowering
messages
from
influential
community
leaders
AVANCE
proudly applauds the accomplishments of Head Start teachers
Ms. Carmen Huerta Abilucea, Ms. Cassandra Hollie, and Ms.
Latrice Horhn who recently earned the Texas School Ready
certificate!
The Texas School Ready Program monitors and rates children’s
performance in kindergarten. If children prove the ability to
perform in the areas of reading, math and social skills, it is
determined that the child received quality instructional
practices while in pre-kindergarten and that he/she moved into
kindergarten prepared with the skills needed to be successful.
Congratulations to these teachers for an outstanding
performance! Mt. Houston
has now joined Golf,
Jefferson and
Jensen Drive to the
list of AVANCE centers recognized as Texas School Ready
certified!
AVANCE Welcomes Martha Rost as new Chairperson of the Board of
Directors
AVANCE-Houston
proudly introduces Martha Rost to serve as the 2010 chairperson of
the board of directors. Mrs. Rost has been in the board since 2006
and has always been passionate and committed to the agency’s
mission. AVANCE is expecting a busy year and she has already
developed strategies to be implemented for the agency’s growth and
continued success.
AVANCE is deeply thankful to the former chairman Jim Drew for his
many years of service in the board. Mr. Drew has been involved and
supported the organization in numerous ways, and he will continue to
serve on the board.
AVANCE is very
fortunate to have a committed and supportive board composed as
follows:
Jim Drew, Linda Dianne Patin, George Smalley, Rudy R. Martinez, Pete C. Garcia, Jennifer Smith, Robert Lampkin, Daniella Guzman, Dwayne Mason, Jakarda W. Varnado
AVANCE Opens Two New Centers - Enroll Now!
AVANCE Head Start at
Children's Courtyard & AVANCE Early Head Start at Tegeler Career Center
Both centers opened doors to children on January 5, 2010. What a great way
to begin the year!
AVANCE
Head Start at Children’s Courtyard serves children ages 3-5 years of age,
and it’s located in The Children’s Courtyard building at 9144 Louetta Rd,
Spring Texas 77379.
Mrs. Sandra Holbert currently serves as center administrator for this new
location, “The first day of school went very well. The children were very
excited to be coming into a pre-school setting for the first time. I am very
grateful for this opportunity to serve the community and families” said Mrs.
Holbert.
AVANCE-Early Head Start at Tegeler serves children 0-3 years of age, and it
is located at Tegeler Career Center - 4949 Burke Road Pasadena, Texas 77504.
Mrs. Kim Jones serves as center administrator for this location. “Parents
and staff continue to work together in order to make the program successful.
It is my desire and hope that the children in our care will continue to grow
and flourish under AVANCE EHS” said Mrs. Jones.
Both centers are currently accepting applications, if you wish to enroll
your child please call (713) 812-0033 for enrollment information or
click here
2010 UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN
AVANCE is
pleased to announce that the 2010 United Way campaign was a huge
success. In spite of the economic turmoil faced in our community,
AVANCE employees showed their big hearts and stepped up with an increase
of 49% more pledges than last year's goal. This outpouring generosity
shows the commitment AVANCE employees have for the UW agency's mission
and vision.
AVANCE is proud of being a United Way agency. Special thanks to all for
spearheading the campaign to new high standards in giving."
The AVANCE - SER Jobs for Progress First
Job Fair for Non-Profit Professionals
Was a great success!
More than 30 nonprofits looking to fill a total of 300 professional job
openings attended this fair held at the United Way on Friday November 6
2009. Nearly 400 job seekers showed up with resumes in hand and met with
employers.
On June 13th AVANCE families gathered at the Boy
Scouts of America’s Camp Strake for the annual Fatherhood Fishing Trip.
Over 300 participants lined the lake and tried their luck at fishing,
while snacking on watermelon and drinking lemonade. The camp greenery
and open spaces provided for a picturesque background, and the large
trees provided some respite from Houston’s summer sun.
While families were plunking their lines into the still waters of the
lake, others decided to take advantage of the camp grounds to play in
the park or to enjoy a nice game of cards. Others chose to stay under
the covered eating area to snack on delicious grilled burgers, and get a
break from the sun.
We thank all of the AVANCE participants that were able to come and take
part in our fun fishing trip, and that are committed to spending quality
time with their children.
AVANCE was recognized at the 2009 Leadership in
Action Awards with an Honorable Mention as an Outstanding Non-Profit
Organization in Houston, Texas. The awards ceremony was held at the
beautiful River Oaks Country Club on Wednesday, June 24th.
The Leadership in Action Awards is presented annually to recognize
nonprofits and corporations that have made extraordinary contributions
through their programs and projects towards the betterment of life in
the greater Houston area.
Special thanks to Tanya Allen-Easter from Chevron, a contributing member
in making this possible.
AVANCE PROGRAMS GRADUATION
The Family Support and Education Programs celebrated their
graduation.
Miguel Tejada is
not just bringing AVANCE participants to him – he is also coming to
AVANCE. On June 4th, Miguel Tejada and the Miracles Club Baseball
Team came to the AVANCE Center at
Ketelsen to provide a
free two hour clinic to his young fans. Over 100 kids had a chance
to ask Miguel questions directly, as he provided insight on the
pressures of being a major league baseball player and stressed the
importance of hard work and staying in school. After the question
and answer session, the children were split into four groups for the
training to begin. The Miracles Baseball Team set up four stations
for the children. They rotated every 15 minutes to practice running
the bases, swinging the bat, catching the ball, and throwing the
ball with proper form.
Miguel spent time at each station and would help the participants
individually. It should be no surprise that he spent the most time
helping kids learn how to properly swing the bat. The children were
eager (and some a little nervous) as they got tips from the baseball
player with the best batting average in the major leagues at
present.
After the one hour grueling training session the participants were
treated to a box lunch, courtesy of the Astros, and received
autographed pictures and souvenirs, as well as tickets to the July
9th game. What a day!
Tejada Troops-
AVANCE families from our Head Start program were selected to meet
all-star Miguel Tejada at Minute Maid Park, they were given VIP
seats, had the opportunity of some photos taken before the game, and
received gifts from the Houston Astros, what a un forgettable
evening for our families!.
This great
partnership with the Astros will be repeated several times this
summer, so stay tuned!
Go Astros!
Employee Astro Night
- 87 employees and their guests were treated to a night of Astros
baseball, compliments of the Houston Astros Baseball Club
Exxon-Mobil Corporate Volunteer collaboration
- Corporate Volunteer program with Exxon-Mobil. Corporate Volunteers
painted AVANCE centers and provided safety checks with follow up
programs this July 2009.
CARS Program -
Now you can donate your car on the AVANCE website with the proceeds
going to benefit
AVANCE’s
families and children programs.
Radio
Show June 8, 2010 - Spanish only audio clips
Over
100 AVANCE families were honored Sunday June 13th, as The Mexican Institute
of Greater Houston (MIGH) hosted its yearly graduation “Dia de la Familia
(Family Day)” at the George R. Brown Convention Center. This event
celebrated the accomplishments of nearly 900 graduates from Computer
Literacy programs from various institutions in the community including
AVANCE who partners with MIGH to offer these classes. With a total of 102
graduates, AVANCE-Houston Inc. received the Golden Eagle Award for achieving
the highest graduation rate.. The eagle is awarded by MIGH to recognize
outstanding efforts made by those who envision and excel at helping those
who dream of succeeding in life. 
AVANCE-Houston,
Inc hosted a Brunch on Friday May 21st, to celebrate the launch of The
Brutal Truth Project: Protecting the Family from Violence, a program that
the agency will offer in English and Spanish to educate communities and
families about the critical issue of violence.
Mount Houston Head Start Center
Celebrated Mardi Gras 2010
AVANCE-Houston
proudly introduces Martha Rost to serve as the 2010 chairperson of
the board of directors. Mrs. Rost has been in the board since 2006
and has always been passionate and committed to the agency’s
mission. AVANCE is expecting a busy year and she has already
developed strategies to be implemented for the agency’s growth and
continued success. 
AVANCE
Head Start at Children’s Courtyard serves children ages 3-5 years of age,
and it’s located in The Children’s Courtyard building at 9144 Louetta Rd,
Spring Texas 77379. 
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