AVANCE launches Family Violence Prevention Program

For Immediate Release Tuesday May 25, 2010-Houston TX: AVANCE-Houston, Inc hosted a Brunch on Friday May 21st, to celebrate the launch of The Brutal Truth Project, 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.

This project was made possible with assistance from several local foundations.

AVANCE’S mission: Unlocking America’s potential by strengthening families in at-risk communities through effective parent education and support programs.

In partnership with other agencies, AVANCE offers programs in 17 centers throughout greater Houston.May