THE JOURNEY OF AN AVANCE FAMILY

Lorena and Daniel Cruz-Rogel came to the United States in 2010 while Lorena was expecting their first child. The difficult journey took a physical and mental toll on the couple, and Lorena gave birth to their baby as they crossed the border.


Despite their difficulties, the family settled in Houston. The stress of the journey, however, caused problems for Lorena and her role as a new mother. Daniel was constantly concerned for the welfare of his wife and daughter. Their situation improved when the family discovered AVANCE in 2011. Lorena enrolled in the nine-month Parent-Child Education Program (PCEP), in which she found the comfort and the guidance she needed. She made new friends and learned that she was not alone in the process of learning to adapt to being a new parent.

 

After seeing the results the PCEP class had on his family, Daniel enrolled in the Fatherhood program. To his surprise, he found support, encouragement, and benefited from an array of workshops. The couple has also participated in English as Second Language (ESL-level I) classes and completed Healthy Marriage workshops.

 

Now, seven years after their arrival in the U.S., Lorena and Daniel have four children, all of whom have participated in AVANCE’s Early Childhood Education program.

They have become home and business owners, crediting AVANCE for helping them to achieve these milestones. The couple imports Mexican arts and handcrafts to ten different states, and the business has improved their economic stability.

 

Lorena oversees the finances and management of contracts, while Daniel handles the logistics and transportation of their products.
Lorena and Daniel are working hard to improve their English language skills, and they aspire to continue expanding their business.

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