Nearly 350 AVANCE Houston employees gathered to celebrate the beginning of the new Program Year and “Moving Forward Together!”
Due to COVID-19, our annual agency-wide employee gathering was postponed for two years. This was the first time our entire agency convened in the same room since 2019. As a result, our staff deeply enjoyed reconnecting and sharing memories together. The three-day event recognized individuals for career tenure milestones, and highlighted the unique and essential work being done to improve the lives of our families.
The celebration began with words of acknowledgment from the Board of Directors Chair, Dr. David Vassar, and Vice Chair Dr. Nicole McZeal Walters. Board member Claudia Ortega Hogue shared her excitement about the new school year and what it means to be part of the organization. AVANCE Houston Inc.’s employees received a Congressional Recognition from Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia.
Our Executive Director, Luz Flores, shared her vision and motivated staff for the year ahead and announced the implementation of new opportunities for all.
The Welcome Back celebration included training sessions that emphasized mental health awareness. The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD provided tips and resources to support our families and community. The event concluded with keynote speaker and corporate drumming event facilitator Mike Veny, an advocate who spoke boldly and candidly about his journey and mental health struggles. His inspiring story encouraged our employees to practice self-care activities to release work and life stresses.
The kick-off of our programs was a big success, and we look forward to a great year ahead!
