San Antonio Celebrates 50 Years of Supporting Latino Families
San Antonio, Texas – A national nonprofit organization that started right here in San Antonio is proudly marking its 50th anniversary of empowering Latino families through education and diverse opportunities. Founded by Dr. Gloria Rodriguez back in 1974, the AVANCE Parent-Child Education Program has grown exponentially from its humble beginnings in the Mirasol Housing Project. It continues to champion its mission: to open doors to economic mobility for Latino families through two-generation programming that is high-quality and culturally responsive.
Creating Pathways for Families
AVANCE has evolved significantly over the years but has kept its eyes on the prize. The organization seeks not just to educate children but also to empower their parents. As Teresa Granillo, the CEO of AVANCE, puts it, “We’ve evolved from our original intention. We still focus on the children, but their parents need to be able to support them emotionally and financially. How we do it is access to education.”
One notable program under AVANCE’s umbrella is Caminos al Futuro (Pathways to Success), which aims to boost workforce and career readiness primarily for parents. Granillo emphasizes that by seeing their parents succeed in their educational pursuits, children are much more likely to believe that college is a realistic goal for them. “The mother’s level of education dictates the child’s level of education,” she explains. The participation of parents in education sends a message that learning is not just possible but essential.
Accessible Education and Support
Caminos al Futuro is designed to ensure that educational opportunities are within reach for parents. AVANCE has teamed up with Alamo Colleges, which is part of its Ready to Work initiative, to make this education both valuable and free! Eligible participants in Caminos al Futuro can enroll in courses without paying for tuition, parking, books, or even bus passes. What sets this program apart is its focus on child care, addressing one of the biggest obstacles that parents face when seeking education. “We are all about removing barriers,” says Granillo.
Real Stories of Success
One success story comes from Fatima Herrera, a 35-year-old mother from San Antonio. Thanks to the Caminos al Futuro program, she was able to return to school to achieve certification in phlebotomy—all at no cost to her. “AVANCE helps you with all the courses and costs. They paid for everything. I’m now working in phlebotomy, and it’s so busy!” Herrera shares.
Before her training, she juggled her responsibilities but made it work by taking evening classes. “I received multiple job offers, and I was able to choose a position that aligns with my daughter’s schedule,” she adds, highlighting how the demand for phlebotomy workers opens doors for those in need of flexible job options.
But phlebotomy is just one of many paths available through Caminos al Futuro. The program offers careers in fields like administrative assistance, cybersecurity, IT, roofing, and hospitality, among others, showcasing a range of opportunities for aspiring workers.
The Importance of Education
The importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty cannot be overstated. Recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that the higher the education level, the higher the salary and the lower the rate of unemployment. For instance, those with a bachelor’s degree earned a median weekly salary of $1,493, compared to just $708 for individuals without a high school diploma.
A Joyful Celebration of 50 Years
The AVANCE organization recently celebrated its five decades of service by kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month with a fabulous gala on September 14, where guests gathered to support the cause and share in the joy of the milestone. They raised over $160,000 in the process! It was a star-studded event attended by influential figures, including former San Antonio mayor Henry Cisneros and Congressman Joaquin Castro.
As AVANCE continues to pave the way for Latino families, its commitment to education and community enhancement shines as a beacon of hope for the next generation. It is clear from the outreach and the success stories that this nonprofit is more than just an organization; it’s a community lifeline guiding families toward a brighter future.
