For hump-day, June 7, 2006, we had a quick morning in the lab and off we treaded to Avance-San Antonio, the Carmen Cortez Center. Short one leader, professor Marcotte, I filled in as co-captain, keeper of directions, this new title generated a laugh from my family. The site we located is on 1103 South San Jacinto and may be reached at (210) 223-3667 or ygonzalez@avancesa.org.

We spotted the red roofed center and a shaded parking spot (if there is one to be parked Dr. Richter will seek it out). Upon entering the building, we were greeted by Anna Aguilar (Child Care Specialist, 9 years) and Marisa Chapa (Center Director, 20 years). We followed the ladies into a classroom, where we had the privilege of viewing a video explaining Avance. The staff was kind enough to provide everyone with bottled water and cups of ice.

By watching the video and taking part in a question and answer session, the first thing I learned was that Avance, (Spanish for advance), holds true to its name. As Ms.Chapa informed us, “Avance is where we help people help themselves”.

At the Carmen Cortez location, families who reside at a San Antonio Housing Property and who have at least one child three years or younger qualify to enroll in a 9 month program. The mom meets once a week for 4 and 1/2 hours where nutrition, parenting and basic life coping skills are taught. The Center also serves as a bridge to other programs available to them such as assisting in applying for the Food Stamp Program. There is also transportation provided for the participants to and from the facility and for Doctor’s appointments.

These opportunities are not just restricted to the moms; dads may take part in the Fathers Accepting the Challenge Today, F.A.C.T.-Si Se Puede Program. In the video one dad spoke on how much he learned that it was ok to get on the floor and just play with your child, “…to think like a kid not treat them like a kid.”

While mom and dad are in class, the children are treated to sun-lit rooms surrounded with bright primary colors filled with interactive toys. They are divided according to their age; infants are accepted as early as 4 weeks old and in the toddler room up to the age of 3 years old. It is apparent by the beaming faces, that every teacher and care provider love their positions and treat all the kiddos like their very own. In fact, 75% of the staff are Avance graduates.

Avance does not stop here. Parents who complete the first Readiness Program go on to Phase II, where High School and College Diplomas are the goal. The center provides assistance in obtaining financial age and resources such as the use of a computer. From what I could gather the biggest benefit is just having someone in your corner telling you, you can do what ever you desire. Avance is that personal cheerleader that everyone appreciates and needs.

The Director, Ms. Chapa, boasts that this year’s commencements included 200 families and the ceremony for many is the first participated graduation. Avance’s record, have attracted a few highly acclaimed visitors such as Prince Charles, Barbra Bush and Hilary Clinton who mentioned the facility in her book “It Takes a Village”. That is the second time I have repeated that quote this week. However, it is not easy to recruit families to participate. Surprisingly, there is no waiting list, enforcing a door-to-door recruitment directly across the street.

One of the three sites is located in my community and I assumed it was a daycare facility for children. It is one, but here children are the little stars, “estrellitas”, as indicated on the wall, and where parents are doing for their children and for themselves.

Hasta mañana,

Maria, Maria

Each student were presented with one of these beautiful book markers, which will always be treasured.