Texas State Representative Christina Morales Visits AVANCE To College

Texas State Representative Christina Morales recently visited AVANCE-Houston to tour AVANCE To College, the organization’s newest initiative designed to support parents pursuing higher education while strengthening their families’ long-term economic mobility. The visit offered Representative Morales an opportunity to engage directly with participants, staff, and community partners working together to remove barriers to education for families.

Representative Morales was welcomed by Luz Flores, Executive Director of AVANCE-Houston, and Antionette Montgomery, Deputy Director, who shared insights into the program’s growing impact and its role in creating accessible, family-centered college pathways.

“AVANCE To College reflects our belief that when parents are supported in their educational goals, entire families thrive,” said Luz Flores, Executive Director of AVANCE-Houston. “We are grateful for Representative Morales’ visit and her continued support of programs that empower families through education and inclusion.”

A highlight of the visit was a brief testimonial from an AVANCE To College participant who travels from Cleveland, Texas, to Houston Community College Southeast to take advantage of the program. Her story underscored the determination of parents who are willing to overcome long commutes and personal challenges to pursue higher education and build a better future for their children.

The visit also took place at the Angela Morales Building, named in honor of Representative Morales’ grandmother, adding a meaningful generational connection to a program focused on family legacy, education, and opportunity.

Also in attendance were Kiara Cabrera, District Director for Houston City College, and Dr. Frances Villagran-Glover, President of HCC Southeast, who reinforced the strong partnership between AVANCE-Houston and HCC in expanding access to higher education for nontraditional students.

Community support was further represented by Sara Montelongo-Oyervidez, Public Relations at Valero Energy Corporation, and Cathryn Martinez, Government & Community Relations at Calpine Corporation, who highlighted the value of corporate and civic investment in family-focused educational initiatives.

During the visit, guests also observed how AVANCE adapts its Parent-Child Education Program (PCEP) to meet the diverse needs of families. Staff demonstrated how the PCEP “Concept Ball”—a hands-on learning tool traditionally used to support early childhood development—was adjusted into a star shape to better meet the sensory and developmental needs of a child with autism. This moment illustrated AVANCE’s commitment to inclusion, flexibility, and individualized support for families of all abilities.

Representative Morales’ visit emphasized the importance of strong partnerships across education, government, nonprofit, and corporate sectors. Together, these collaborations ensure that families—regardless of distance, circumstance, or ability—have the resources and support needed to pursue education and create lasting change for the next generation.