Dear AVANCE Family,
It is with great sorrow that we learn of the passing of Houstonian and 41st President of the United States George Herbert Walker Bush. President Bush believed in Duty, Honor, and Country and said that “any definition of a successful life must include service to others.”
In announcing his 1992 budget, President Bush said ‘Many children need a Head Start, and we’re going to make sure they get it…In Head Start we found a government program that works to strengthen families and communities for the future.’
And as President, he put those words into action. The number of children served by Head Start almost doubled during President Bush’s four years in office—a record expansion that no other administration before or since has surpassed. He also proposed the largest single-year funding increase in Head Start’s history and supported numerous quality improvement initiatives.
President and Mrs. Bush believed deeply in Head Start’s ability to change lives through its holistic model of whole-child support and family engagement. Mrs. Bush visited AVANCE in 1988 to learn about our Parent Child Education Program. Their legacy will live on in the millions of children and families who have accessed that window of opportunity thanks to their commitment to Head Start and family engagement.
The legacy this enduring couple leaves is one of self-sacrifice and community service. They will be remembered for their commitment to the people of this nation, for their service and integrity. We offer our sincerest condolences to the entire Bush family, and the solace of knowing that George Herbert Walker Bush and Barbara Pierce Bush gave so much more to the people of Houston and the United States than most mere lifetimes can encompass.
President Trump has proclaimed this Wednesday, December 5, as a National Day of Mourning. In honor of President Bush, AVANCE-Houston will hold a moment of silence on Wednesday, December 5 at 11am. In addition, President Bush had an affinity for fun socks so the AVANCE-Houston Family will also honor his legacy by wearing crazy socks on December 5th.
Sincerely,
Luz Flores
Executive Director, AVANCE-Houston
