2010

AVANCE-Houston, Inc.

ANNUAL REPORT

Moving Forward

Table of Contents

Supporting and

Strengthening

Families

Parents are children’s first teachers and home the first classroom

Unlocking America’s Potential

President’s Message

Executive Summary • Board Chairperson• Executive Director

Agency Overview

2010 - A Year of Moving Forward • Gathering Momentum• Moving Ahead

Memorable Events

Our Families in Motion

Board of Directors

Leadership Team

Financial Outlook

Donors and Partners

Moving Forward

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II

III

IV

V

VI

VII

VIII

IX

X

XI

“A challenging year for all, but a happy year for AVANCE”

- Rick Noriega

President’s Message

Dear Friends,

Over the past year, many of us found it challenging to find reasons to smile. With a slow recovering economy, rising rates of childhood poverty, and families continuing to face new challenges, it was hard not to frown.

Through all this, AVANCE has met the year’s challenges with robust determination and vision to ensure that our programs remain relevant and integral to the success and growth of not only our families, but of our nation.

We have undertaken a process for strategically planning our organization’s future. In the coming year, we look forward to sharing that with you and many others who have come to support and value our work, which is replacing frowns with happy faces.

AVANCE continues to grow alongside our families. We have learned over this past year that to meet the needs of vulnerable families, and to do so with limited resources, AVANCE will partner and collaborate to grow efficiently and effectively.

This annual report provides you with a snapshot of our growth and success in 2010 which we believe will continue, just as we believe all families can reach their potential and transform the communities in which they live. On behalf of the children, parents and families served, I extend my warm welcome and my thanks for your support.

Richard J. NoriegaPresident & CEOAVANCE, Inc.

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AVANCE-Houston, Inc. remains firm in its commitment to serve the most vulnerable families. This past year brought unprecedented opportunities from a significant budget increase which allowed us to expand and improve facilities and help families move forward. Guided by

strategic priorities, AVANCE focused on upgrading the infrastructure, expanding facilities and improving the quality of services through innovative collaborations. During 2010, AVANCE opened six new centers and remodeled and expanded three others. The ‘Colonias project’ featured in this report serves some of the most impoverished areas in our country – the unincorporated settlements along the Rio Grande border. Through a working collaboration with AVANCE, Inc., services are offered in an attractive, well equipped facility that conveys our belief that families must be treated with respect and confidence. The design of the new Mangum Education Center also reflects AVANCE’s core mission of inviting parents to actively participate in the ongoing education of their children. The Center is welcoming and friendly, featuring murals and a naturally landscaped playground and gardens to encourage parents and children to engage in learning activities together.The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) has accredited three of our centers, located in Acres Homes, Houston Northside and Jensen Drive. This designation is a mark of distinction in early childhood education and AVANCE is pleased to offer this level of services to diverse communities. AVANCE has also increased the number of degreed teachers and entered into an agreement with Houston Independent School District to track the progress of our children through the year 2020.

AVANCE’s Parent Child model program expanded to three more schools in 2010, reaching new families in new service areas. To further enhance programs like Parent Child, Healthy Marriage, and others, AVANCE staff developed training materials to accompany an award winning video called “The Brutal Truth”, which was produced here in Houston. This program educates families about family violence, adding yet another dimension to strengthening and empowering families.AVANCE recognizes that parents are the child’s first and most important teachers. In our mission, we strive to provide the best resources possible

in a welcoming and effective learning environment. We are dedicated to leveraging any and all opportunities through public and private partnerships towards the growth and development of strong and healthy families. In our goal of “unlocking America’s potential” and moving forward there can be no compromise.

Sincerely,

Martha Rost Jose Villarreal Board Chair Executive Director

Executive Summary

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AVANCE’s 2010 Annual Report offers evidence of what has been a remarkable year of growth -one of

the most productive years in our history. This growth has presented enormous challenges to the agency in the areas of infrastructure, capacity building, program efficiency, staff qualifications, economic development and training opportunities.

This report provides a brief overview of our agency, along with snapshots of our diverse and committed workforce, who remain dedicated to serving those families and children most in need.

Fiscal year 2010 was the most significant year in recent memory. In spite of a flat economy that generated real concerns about our financial future, “moving forward” was definitely AVANCE’s theme for 2010.

The first step along the road to moving forward was facilitated by the $1.25 million dollar American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds received for construction projects. These funds allowed us to construct new fa-cilities nearly doubling the number of chil-dren enrolled and served in Early Head Start

programs. Through a combination of ARRA funds, and a partnership between AVANCE, Southwest Schools and Mangum Education Center LP, we built an innovative facility, our new Mangum Educa-tion Center. Formerly an

abandoned retail center, this additional facility has increased the number of children and par-ents, as well as boosting AVANCE’s workforce and economic growth by opening 43 new jobs.

In collaboration with Southwest Schools the new center incorporates AVANCE’s holistic approach in one family-friendly center.

Agency Overview

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2010 - A year of moving forward for AVANCE

Mangum Education Center houses the follow-ing programs:

• Parent and Child Education• Head Start• Early Head Start• Healthy Marriage• Responsible Fatherhood• Adult Literacy• Computer Literacy

AVANCE-Houston established formal agreements with AVANCE, Inc. during 2010, and making it possible to open two early childhood development centers serving Las Colonias, with one located in San Juan and the other operating in Del

Rio, Texas.

We have leveraged an addi-tional $3M d o l l a r s for con-s t r u c t i o n

through collaborations with part-ners, which resulted in the creation of over 100 construction jobs. Addi-tionally, AVANCE will offer services at Houston Housing Authority-Lincoln Park and Oxford Place developments. AVANCE is still in the process of implementing our strategic plan “Unleashing the Power of A”. We are excited about the progress seen thus far and committed to continued effort

towards full implementation.Fiscal years begin and end, but an agency’s work and p r o g r e s s in moving forward and a c h i e v i n g excellence is a continuing p r o c e s s . Our agency looks ahead with major initiatives committed to ease the paths of our children and parents as they seek to fulfill their potential.

This past year has posed enormous chal-lenges for many service organizations. However, we wish to reassure all of our families, partners, and friends that a volatile economy, the stress-es of growth and the constant in-crease in demand for our services, only serve to move us forward as we strive to deliver the best possible programs to our families. and our community.

Agency Overview

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New/Expanded Collaborations:• Houston Community College System-Adult Education

Consortium

• Mexican Institute of Greater Houston-Expansion of Computer Literacy

• Neighborhood Centers, Inc.-Healthy Marriage Programs

• Adults Relating to Kids-Implemented ARK programs at Head Start Centers

• Principe de Paz Church-Parent & Child Program

• HISD Tijerina Elementary School-Parent & Child Program

• HISD-Reached agreement for long-term tracking

• Awards and Achievements:• Earned NAEYC accreditation at 3 centers

• Awarded new grant for a Healthy Marriage Program targeting African-Americans

• Received our second Golden Eagle Award from the Mexican Institute of Greater Houston, for highest graduation rates in our computer literacy class

• Recognized by BBB for meeting the standards for Charity Accountability for third consecutive year

• Completed a successful Federal Review

• Received audit report with no findings

• Exceeded AVANCE standards for the Parent & Child Program for 2010

• Exceeded United Way Employee contributions goal by 50%

• Increased annual celebration revenue by 40% over previous year

• Increased Annual Head Start Parent Conference participation by 15%

2010 Gathering Momentum

This past year saw the intersection of leadership, strategic planning, and carefully nurtured partnerships with expanded funding, and the results will impact AVANCE’S children and families, as well as their schools and communities for

years to come. New construction, renovations and improvements, and other agency initiatives all provided momentum, which was recognized in the following manner:

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• Increased media presence and corporate relations by 30%• Ranked #12 by Hispanic Business Magazine in its list of top

Hispanic non-profits• Recognized as members of the Houston READ Commission• Established staff career development plan• Expanded HCC partnership to provide Adult Education

instructional services• Selected to participate in a video as one of the best Hispanic

practice programs by the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Family Assistance

Economic Impact:• Generated 8 ARRA funded construction projects, leveraged $3M

in construction, and increased workforce by 90 jobs• Opened Mangum Education Center—comprehensive campus• Opened Tegeler Early Head Start• Opened Wesley Early Head Start• Expanded services at Hardy Head Start Center to now offer Early

Head Start• Opened Early Head Start facilities in partnership with AVANCE,

Inc. in San Juan and Del Rio, Texas

Looking Forward:• Launched a redesigned webpage featuring multiple

resources for all users• Developed a Sustainability Plan for Healthy Marriage

Initiatives• Initiated a Corporate Volunteer Program to include Adult

Literacy mentors• Created a GED Scholarship Program for

post-secondary transition• Expanded The Brutal Truth Project to PlazAmericas Mall

2010 Moving Ahead

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AVANCE’s “Love is All Around” 2010 Annual Celebration

Love was all around during AVANCE’s 2010 Annual Celebration held at the H o u s t o n

Post Oak on Feb-ruary 12th, as the agency celebrated another success-ful year of service to the community. The event honored one of Houston’s most prominent entrepreneurs and executive chefs, Michael J. Cordúa and his wife Lucia. The memorable evening included attendees

from major cor-porations and organizat ions, dinner, dancing, live band, casino, and a silent auc-tion. The “Love is All Around” annual event

broke records by becoming the most successful and most productive cel-ebration in the history of AVANCE.

All proceeds raised are used for the agen-cy’s Family Education pro-grams which include par-

enting, adult literacy, healthy mar-riage, fatherhood and computer training.

The Ninth Annual Head Start Parent Conference

Nearly 250 parents of AVANCE’s Head Start and Early Head Start program gath-ered together at the Crowne Plaza Hotel

on March 29th to celebrate the agency’s ninth annual par-ent conference “Strong Fami-lies-Successful Children”.

Constable Victor Treviño opened the one day conference by thanking all the parents for mak-

ing their chil-dren’s educa-tion a priority. “As parents we should empow-er our little ones to succeed and dream, and if they trip and

fall, help them pick themselves back up and never give up” he said.

Other highlights of the event included former Council Member Gra-cie Sáenz’s presenta-tion and Congress-woman Sheila Jackson Lee who presented a check for $285,000 on behalf of the U.S. De-partment of Education, to benefit the agency’s family education pro-grams.

Memorable Events

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Memorable Events

AVANCE, Inc. Early Head Start Las Colonias Grand Opening

On August 12, 2010 AVANCE partnered with Early Head Start (EHS) and the City of San Juan in an effort to provide educational services

to The Colonias Rio Grande Valley. This partnership, through an expansion grant of EHS and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) serves pregnant women, fathers, infants and toddlers in a home-based learning environment with emphasis on weekly sessions of group socialization, as parents and children interact with each other.

The grand opening ceremony was attended by AVANCE, Inc., President and CEO, Rick Noriega, San Juan’s Mayor Pedro Contreras, State Representative Armando Martínez and various San Juan dignitaries. “For nearly forty years AVANCE has been committed to strengthening families and promoting early childhood education; there is perhaps no greater need than in South Texas” said Rick Noriega.

“AVANCE on the Road” Celebration

On August 26, 2010 AVA N C E

hosted the first of three “AVANCE on the Road” branding sessions to raise agency awareness through-out Houston area.

The successful event was held at the Bay Oaks Country Club and was underwritten by AVANCE Board member, Ms. Pamela Chambers O’Rourke of ICON Information Consultants. These meet and greet sessions allow attendees to learn more about AVANCE-Houston and its many successful programs.

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AVANCE’s Mangum Education Center Grand Opening

On October 22, 2010 AVANCE -Houston, Inc. celebrated the grand opening of the new Mangum

Education Center located at 4503 Mangum.

The new center was made possible through a partnership between AVANCE, Southwest Schools and Mangum Education Center LP. This innovatively designed facility houses a variety of free early childhood and adult education programs in the Northwest Houston community.

More than 200 guests, including parents and and children, joined Major Annise Parker

and other elected officials. Council Member Melissa Noriega and Mayor Parker spoke about the importance of a strong education.

“Two strong agencies partnering side by side to build strong families and healthy children make a successful Houston” said the Mayor.

The afternoon concluded with tours of both campuses and a closing message from Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a strong supporter of this AVANCE project.

Memorable Events

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Our Families in MotionThe Varnado Family, Presenters at National Conference in Washington, D.C.

Jakarda and Demetrius Varnado represented AVANCE in Novem-ber at the 4th Annual Head Start Healthy Marriage Grantee Con-ference in Washington, D.C. Only four grantees nationwide out

of the twenty-four were invited to send a couple to serve on a panel discussion. AVANCE was honored as one of four elected grant-ees. Jakarda and Demetrius’ participation and testimonials culmi-nated in appreciative applause from the audience. The Varnados have been active AVANCE participants for over two and a half years. They have served as Parent Liaisons and Peer Mentors to new Head Start Healthy Marriage couples entering the program. They are a true tes-

timony to the power of love and perseverance, and are real examples of the how the program aids couples in building strong and healthy marriages. The panel discussion was recorded and will be available on the Head Start Healthy Marriage and Family Initiatives website in Spring of 2011.

Ana Lilia Garcia, Teacher of the Year Award

Ana Lilia Garcia, a graduate of AVANCE’s Child Development Associate (CDA) and AVANCE’s Computer Literacy Program, was honored by The Mexican Institute of Greater Houston as the “Teacher of the Year”. Ms.

Garcia has been actively involved in AVANCE programs for three years and her two children participated in AVANCE’s Mt. Houston Head Start Center. After suc-cessfully completing the program at AVANCE with outstanding performance, Ms. Garcia was hired by the Mexican Institute and assigned to teach Computer Literacy at AVANCE. Ms. Garcia was recognized for having the highest performing classes.Ms. Garcia says that her greatest satisfaction is witnessing the self-confidence the students gain upon completing the course. “The first day of class they have a hard time touching the computer because they’re afraid to break it, but by the end of the course they become experts and it is just amazing to see how they interact and help each other”.

Laura Reid, 2010 Winner of Responsible Parent Award Contest

Laura Reid, a Head Start parent from AVANCE’s Mt. Houston Center, was recognized with the “Respon-sible Parent Award” through a partnership with Metropolitan Collision Service for her commitment to her children’s education and success. Ms. Reid’s award came in the form of a beautiful blue Ford

Escort with a back seat and trunk full of Christmas presents. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Ms. Reid spent six years working in information management in the Logistics Readiness Command. Ms. Reid is currently an online student at LSC-North Harris. She will earn her Associate degree in May and plans to make a ca-

reer in the legal profession. “I plan on first being a paralegal, but I have my sights set on becoming an attorney” she said.

Ms. Reid, a mother of two sons, one in high school and anoth-er in preschool, has become more involved in her children’s lives. She takes them to school every day; is actively involved in school activities and takes her oldest son to football prac-tices. “I can’t thank the people at AVANCE and Metropolitan Service enough for what they did for me and my kids” Reid said.

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Martha Rost Chairperson of the Board

Pete C. Garcia Member

Jakarda Varnado Member

Diego Adrian Gorena Member

Gloria A. Luna Vice Chair

Rudy R. Martinez Treasurer

Tanya Allen Easter Secretary

Jennifer A. Smith Member

Neale A. Shields Member

Donna Wheeler Member

Robert A. Lampkin Member

Sabrina Martinez Member

Robert B. McCeney Member

Pamela Chambers O’Rourke

Member

Dwayne L. Mason Member

Board of Directors

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Carla Danbury Chief Operations Officer

Leadership Team

José Villarreal Executive Director

Thu Nguyen Executive Assistant/Board Svcs.

Rondalyn Skinner Davis Director of ERSEA & Support Svcs.

AVANCE, Inc. National Headquarters

118 N. Medina San Antonio, Texas 78207

www.avance.org

AVANCE-Houston, Inc.4281 Dacoma

Houston, Texas 77092 www.avancehouston.org

Luz Flores de Rivera Sr. Director of Human Resources

Rick J. Noriega President & CEO

Antionette Montgomery Sr. Director of Head Start

Nilia L. Jiménez Sr. Director of Marketing

Jack Wootton Sr. Director of Developement

Janie B. Castro Sr. Director of Early Head Start

Cindy Tran Sr. Director of Finance

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Financial Outlook

Assets:CashGrants receivablePledges receivableOther receivables and depositsDue from AVANCE, Inc.Property and equipment, net

Total Assets

Liabilities and Net Assets:Accounts payableAccrued expensesLine of CreditDue to Avance, Inc.Total Liabilities

Net Assets:UnrestrictedTemporarily restrictedTotal Net Assets

Total Liabilities and Net Assets

2010

$209,752 559,131

10,000 102,004

65,501 1,497,590

$2,443,978

$190,985 410,318

- 12,522 $613,825

$1,717,653 112,500

$1,830,153

$2,443,978

2009

$171,933 595,638

20,000 44,847 19,231

1,221,434

$2,073,083

$182,712 363,166

- 5,375

$551,253

$1,501,830 20,000 $1,521,830

$2,073,083

Revenue and Other Support:GrantsContributionsUnited Way

FundraisingIn-Kind

Total

ExpensesProgram ServicesAldine ISDGeneral and AdministrativeFund Development

Total Expenses

Change in Net Assets

Depreciation Expenses

Net Assets at Beginning of Year

Net Assets at End of Year

2010

$19,838,648 390,263 225,472

94,119 4,541,693

$25,090,195

18,712,770 3,306,797 2,148,044

164,589

$24,332,200

$757,995

449,490

1,521,830

$1,830,335

2009

16,289,824 158,948 246,909

56,933 3,455,686

$20,208,300

15,352,062 2,797,920 1,702,377

172,250

$20,024,609

$183,691

412,453

1,750,592

$1,521,830

Programs at a Glance

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A.S. PhysiquesAmerican Business Machines

AeroMexicoAetna

Aldine Independent School DistrictAlice McCarthyAlley TheatreAmegy Bank

Annie Marie HermanAnnette & Knut Eriksen

AT&TBank of America

Bay Oaks Country ClubBeautique Day Spa

Ben E. KeithBering and James

Bonnie BrewerBowen, Miclette & Britt, Inc.

Brian WilsonCanyon Café

Carla DanburyCarrabba’s Italian Grill

CenterPoint EnergyChallenge Office Products

Chambers Commercial, Inc.Chesebro’ Family Foundation

ChevronCHOICE! Energy Services

Chris TaylorColorama Photo Inc.

ConocoPhilipsCordúa Restaurants

Cypress Fairbanks I.S.D.David Yurman

Denise Jones GHLDiversified Chemical

& Supply, Inc.DoubleTree Hotel Houston-

DowntownDouglas Sung

Dr. PepperDr. Stephen L. Klineberg

Dress for SuccessE. & J.Gallo Winery

Elaine’s Florist & Gift Baskets

Epic Merchant ManagementExxonMobil Foundation

Familias LatinasFiesta Mart

Fondren FoundationGloria A. LunaGrand Lux Café

Gulf Coast Community Service Assoc.

Haak Vineyards & WineryHarris County Hospital District

FoundationHEB – Central Market

Hilton NASA Clear LakeHilton Houston Post Oak Hotel

Houston Aeros CharitiesHouston Astros Baseball Club

Houston BalletHouston Community College

SystemHouston Dynamo

Houston Endowment, Inc.Houston Grand Opera

Houston I.S.D.Houston Texans

Houston ZooICON Information Consultants

Imogen S. PapadopoulosInternational Cleaning Corp.

Jack and Gail WoottonJanice & John Schloz

Jim DrewJosé and Sylvia Villarreal

Kim PhillipsKohl’s Stores

Leaders in EducationLittler Mendelson Foundation Inc.

Longevity Development PartnersLopez Negrete Communications

LuchosLupina McMains

Macy’s FoundationManuel and Mary Luna

Marcis & Associates, Inc.

Marguerite and Joe Muzikowski Marriott Hotels

METROMexican Institute of

Greater HoustonMichael and Frances Dressman

Michael J. CordúaMFR Accountants & Consultants

Nick Lopez TailoringNorris of Houston Salon

Osborn & Vane Architects, Inc.Pamela Chambers O’Rourke

Pasadena I.S.D.Pete Garcia International Inc.

Ray C. Fish FoundationRoger AlvarezRudy MartinezSakowitz Furs

Sam Houston Equestrian CenterScott Gertner

SER-Jobs for ProgressSilver Eagle Distributors

Spec’s Wine Spirits & Finer Goods

Spindletop Charities, Inc.Stages Repertory Theatre

Strake FoundationTanya Allen Easter

The Brown Foundation, Inc.The Clayton Fund, Inc.The Enrico and Sandra

di Portanova FoundationThe Ensemble TheatreThe Health Museum

The Living Bank The Port of Houston Authority

Theatre Under the StarsTour 18, Inc.Trina Masera

Trustmark BankUnited Way of Greater Houston

University of HoustonWalmart Foundation

Wells Fargo FoundationWeston Lakes Country Club

Southwest Schools

Donors and Partners

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“FY 2011 will have many exciting events and new initiatives”

GED Transition Program to Post-Secondary Education

AVANCE is firmly committed to expand-ing the Adult Literacy program and in-creasing male participation by providing

adult education in a vibrant and accessible way to those who have made the determination to im-prove their lives and move forward. Our new Post-Secondary program for adult lit-eracy will allow AVANCE participants to transi-tion into an institution of higher learning, a work-force development program leading to employment in a specific field, or to pursue a Child Development As-sociate (CDA) Cre-dential. Certificates will be awarded upon completion of a series of trainings. Credits earned in the CDA process apply toward an As-sociates Degree in Early Childhood Education. AVANCE’s adoption of these standards ensures a higher level of learning for participants, as well as an awareness of the increasing requirements of workforce preparation in today’s world.

Brutal Truth Project and Radio Program ENTERATE 920 AM

AVANCE will continue its outreach efforts to educate and raise awareness of family violence with the Brutal Truth Program

through a partnership with ENTERATE 920 AM Radio Station and PlazAmericas. Head Start, Ear-

ly Head Start, Healthy Marriage and Father-hood programs will

continue to incorporate segments of the Brutal Truth in their staff training and workshops offered to parents. The co-branding campaign will also include monthly live talk shows radio presenta-tions that will feature AVANCE staff hosting dis-cussions on a family related topic, followed by a Saturday workshop at PlazAmericas. AVANCE’s goal is to incorporate these live radio shows into our Parents Resource Library within our web-page, and to use social media to increase access to online educational tools.

HHSC Fatherhood Initiatives, Healthy Marriage and Family Programs

The U.S. Congress has passed a one year Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Extension block grant for healthy

marriage, responsible fatherhood initiatives and family education programs nationwide. AVANCE is committed to strengthen healthy, stable relationships among children, couples and families. Therefore, AVANCE will submit pro-posals for a Responsible Fatherhood Initiative and a Healthy Marriage Initiative. If funds are awarded, we will significantly expand the Father-hood and the Healthy Marriage programs and can take the lead with these initiatives in the Houston community. AVANCE is confident that our research-based proven track record of accomplishments and d e m o n s t r a t -ed success in both initiatives will position us well in the grant competi-tion.

Moving Forward

- Jose Villarreal

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NAEYC Accredited CentersAVANCE is among the top programs in the nation with three NAEYC accredited centers recognized as the gold standard in early childhood education. The agency will continue to raise the bar for child care

excellence and early childhood educa-tion by submitting three more centers for consideration for the prestigious NAEYC accredita-tion. This new mark of quality shows the

agency’s commitment to its strategic plan, its mission and vision.

Unveiling the New WebsiteAs stated in our strategic plan ‘Unleashing the Power of A”, one of our goals is to refine our use of technology to best serve the needs of staff and fami-lies. In 2010, AVANCE successfully launched a new and improved website. Organized to be user- friend-

ly and efficient, AVANCE’s re-vamped homepage features drop down menus, portals for employees, Board members, and par-ents.

A highlight of this interactive webpage will be the upcoming Par-ent Resource Library. This media library for online educational resources will allow users to download instructional videos (in English and Spanish) of AVANCE programs, as well as participate in webinar presentations and provide age-appropriate activities

and reading materials for young children. Teachers will be able to communicate with staff and parents via a teacher’s network.AVANCE is also exploring

effective ways to utilize social media sites like YouTube in order to increase overall awareness of our mission and programs.

AVANCE is Eco-FriendlyAVANCE is working to devel-op a systematic, user-friendly out-reach program to adopt and maintain more sustainable and environmentally-appropriate business practices. The agency’s goals are to increase motivation, improve environmental sustainability, and raise public and corporate aware-ness and support. The greening of AVANCE is here to stay.

Many AVANCE employees recycle. As the green out-reach efforts spread, awareness has grown. Employ-ees and parents are “getting on board” with behavior-al change. Some locations have recycling areas that reduce waste by recycling paper, plastic, and some materials used for the AVANCE Toy Making component of the Parent & Child Program. Staff have adopted green actions like turning off lights when they leave the room, turning off computers at the end of the day, carpooling, recycling ink cartridges and cell phones and pursuing green printing practices.

AVANCE’s eco-friendly approach is highlighted by the new naturally landscaped playground at Mangum Education Center, offering hands-on outreach activities for children and families that foster environmental awareness.

Strategic Board Retreat From July 9-10, 2010, AVANCE went through its annual Strategic Board Retreat at United Way of Greater Houston. The objective of the retreat was to discuss strategic planning changes and established goals for 2011.

Moving Forward

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Our Mission

AVANCE unlocks America’s potential by strengthening families in at-risk

communities through effective parent education, early childhood development

and support services.

AVANCE-Houston, Inc.4281 Dacoma

Houston, Texas 77092 www.avancehouston.org