Unlocking America's Potential

I met my classmates and Denise at the Carmen P. Cortez (Avance) Center Wednesday morning. The center is located near in the Alazan community on 1103 South San Jacinto. I had often heard the name Avance but never really took the initiative to learn what it was. I had assumed, as I’m sure many have, it was a place similar to Parent Child Incorporated (PCI), which provides childcare (based on income) and prepares children for grade school. Boy was I wrong!

Avance (which literally means to advance or progress) is a nonprofit organization that facilitates positive change in parents/guardians and they then create change in others. It was more than 30 years ago when Dr. Gloria Rodriguez began Avance. Today, Avance provides various services in more than a dozen locations in San Antonio. To learn more about each program provided at each center visit their website at www.avancesa.org.

Below are some details about the program we learned on our visit to the Alazan center. It was surprising to hear the answer when one of my classmates asked Yesenia Gonzalez if there was a waiting list for the program. Unfortunately there is not a waiting list. Yesenia stated that perhaps it’s because not many people know of these free services or they are ashamed of using them. If you know of anyone that may be in need of these services please refer him or her to Avance, as I learned that this organization could do a lot for them so long as he or she would like to “advance” in life. It just takes a simple want or desire to progress in life to help break the cycle of poverty. I truly believe that parents are our first teachers and if they can teach us that there are opportunities out there in our community we will not be afraid to take advantage of them (just like my parents, sister and grandpa told me to take advantage of this service-learning program to better myself).

AVANCE Mission Statement: Avance unlocks America’s potential by strengthening families in at-risk communities through the most effective parent education and support program.

Parent-Child Education Program Services

A. Parent -Child Education Services:
* Hands-on parenting participation and Early Childhood
Development curriculum.

B. Personal Growth and Development:
* GED and ESL classes so parents can complete High School and learn English.
* Computer classes and Career Readiness (Training to prepare participants for the
workforce for success).
* College Classes; Workshops and Technical Assistance for those attending College
or a Technical program.

C. Early Childhood Education:
* Preparing young children for School Readiness
* Promoting child Health and Nutrition
* Promoting Early Childhood Brain Development

D. Comprehensive Support And Education:
* Free Childcare to support parents while attending the program
* Access to medical services, community resources and housing
* Transportation to and from centers

Qualifications:
* Must have children from ages 0-3 years old

Contact Information
FAX 210-223-1024 Postal address 1103 S. San Jacinto Zip: 78207-3839
Any Questions: ygonzalez@avancesa.org
Phone Number: 210-223-3667
Executive Director: Becky Cervantez x223
Human Resources: Resumes may be e-mailed to: hr@avancesa.org