AVANCE STAFF IS READY AND ‘FIRED UP’ TO WELCOME STUDENTS

Over 400 AVANCE employees gathered at La Fontaine Reception Hall to officially welcome the new program year.

This daylong event is an annual tradition that brings the entire agency together to promote teamwork, show appreciation for all staff, and remind everyone of their unique and important role in shaping the lives of our families.

The event began with Senior Directors welcoming employees at the door creating a special customer service experience with the staff. 

Center Operations Manager Julia Douch emceed the event which included introduction of our Senior Directors, this year’s campaign, and recognition of hard work and dedication for transforming families’ lives.

The Executive Director, Luz Flores, mentioned successful accomplishments of the 2015-2016 program year. She also thanked the employees for working together to reach the goals established last year, which marked her entry to the executive director role.

“During my first year as your Executive Director, we internally assessed the programs we offer to determine how we were doing, what we are doing right, and the areas in which we needed improvement.” Flores said. “I met with staff, board members, students, parents I am happy to report that we steadily met the vision we set for ourselves.”

She reassured to the staff that “We are one team, working for the same goals…helping our families thrive. I’m certain that 2017-2018 will be another outstanding year for our participants and for all of us.”

Chief Administrator of Early Head Start/Head Start and Organizational Support Antionette Montgomery presented this year’s campaign “Creating a Culture of Excellent Customer Service” and encouraged all employees to work together building positive relationships and practice healthy communication patterns internally and externally.  

“During the campaign, we will address the needs of our internal customers-employees and external customers-children and families and other community stakeholders.”

Later in the event, several employees were honored in the categories of 5, 6, 10, 15, 20, and 26 years of service for the long-time loyal dedication to the agency.

Nationally recognized motivational speaker Kim Thomas- joined the celebration. She filled the room with energy and inspired the audience as she shared her passion for teaching.  She also treated everyone with interactive and fun activities designed to provide teachers with tips on how to “live it up” in their classroom and bond closer with their students.

She said when a teacher loves their students then the students will notice it. “You got to make kids laugh; you got to love what you do.”

The event concluded with door prizes, music, and all staff ready and “fired up” to welcome the children and parents into the classrooms.

Several employees even walked away with beautiful floral arrangements, courtesy of Fiesta Mart Inc.