Avance-Houston, Inc. received $6 million in stimulus funds to open an educational center for its Head Start and elementary charter school programs. The center, located at 4503 Mangum, is on the site of several abandoned buildings that are being renovated and converted to classrooms and other facilities. The construction is expected to be completed by the start of the school year in the fall.

Avance is a United Way affiliated program whose mission is to strengthen at-risk low income families through educational and support programs. Avance was established in the early ‘70s as a non-profit community based organization in Dallas and San Antonio. Since that time it has expanded to ten cities in Texas. Avance is trying to expand operations to New Mexico and California. Former State Rep. Rick Noriega is the current president and CEO of the national Avance, Inc.

The organization says it “recruits door to door in the neighborhoods that it serves.” Its focus is on families at risk due to low income, language barriers and illiteracy.

Jose Villarreal, executive director, says that the support services and parenting programs are needed to reinforce the educational development of the children. “What Avance adds to the early childhood education curriculum is the parent involvement component. We want parents to know that involvement is more than coming to a PTO meeting or a garage sale; they have to be fully engaged at home with the child’s learning mission. We can prepare the children for school but they must prepare the child for success in school and throughout their life.”

Avance-Houston is supported by funds from United Way, the federal government and the Texas Education Agency. Other funding sources are county and city governments, foundations, corporations, individuals, special fundraising events and in-kind support. The source of the funds depends on the type of program involved. Head Start programs are federally funded while adult learning programs receive money from the State. The federal eligibility guidelines for Head Start require 90% of the families enrolled to have incomes at or below the current poverty level. However, the adult programs do not require proof of income to participate.

The main office and administration is located at 4281 Dacoma in near northwest Houston. It also serves as a center for family and adult programs as well as a Head Start program. There are fourteen other locations for the Advance Head Start centers in other parts of town.

The Golden Forest center located near Antoine has a total of 90 children ages 3 to 5 in its Head Start program. Most were not able to attend pre-school or kindergarten in the school district due to their birth dates. Head Start uses the same scholastics method as the public schools to ensure a smooth transition to a regular classroom. Social and behavioral skills are also part of the curriculum. Meals are provided to the children. A social worker, health technician and a family intervention specialist are also available to provide family services.

Director Ana Rodriguez says that most of the families are working families. “If they (the parents) are working or in school we have extended hours for the children in the program.” She feels the Head Start program is a key factor in success in school. “Our teaching staff do so much to prepare the children for public education. At the end of the year you can see so much growth. The children get the tools they need to be successful.”

To find out more about Avance-Houston visit www.avancehouston.org.