Posted on November 10, 2009

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AVANCE

Founded: 1972

Contact: Rick Noriega, President and CEO

Address:
AVANCE National Headquarters
118 North Medina
San Antonio, TX 78207

Phone: (210) 270 - 4630
Fax: (210) 270 - 4636
E-mail: feedback@avance.org
URL: http://www.avance.org/

Mission:
To strengthen families in at-risk communities through effective parent education and other support programs.

About the Organization:
AVANCE offers comprehensive early childhood education, parenting, and family support services primarily to Hispanic families in low-income, at-risk communities. The organization's name derives from the Spanish word "to advance" or "to progress," which is the goal of the families it supports. Originally conceived at Cornell University by graduate students led by Dr. Urie Bronfenbrenner, the first AVANCE Mother-Infant program was established in Dallas in 1972 with funding from the Zale Corporation. What began in a 500-unit public housing development serving thirty-five families has grown to more than ninety program sites in ten chapters across Texas, serving thousands of parents and children, with expansion to California and New Mexico under way.

Current Programs:
The AVANCE parent-child education program model includes parent education classes designed to teach parents how to be the primary teacher for their children and full partners in their education; community resource awareness, which give parents the information and tools they need to help themselves; home visits to provide one-on-one guidance on effective parenting and home teaching skills; early childhood education, which introduces children to stimulating early learning classroom environments; adult education, which promotes economic self-sufficiency; and transportation and other support services.

Web Site:
The AVANCE Web site offers an interactive locations map, links to education-related studies and surveys, and recent news and announcements. In addition, visitors to the site can download an order form for bilingual multicultural posters that can be used in classrooms or at home.

Funding:
AVANCE receives government funding as well as support from individuals, foundations, and corporations.