Avance annual report revised 3 31

ANNUAL REPORT2013

COLLEGE BOUND

AHEAD

HeadStart

Community

Resources

Early Head

Start

BAC

Fatherhood

HealthyMarriage

Adult

Education

ComputerLiteracy

Parent-Child

Dear Friends,

The Board of Directors takes great pride in serving as volunteer policy makers for AVANCE-Houston. We celebrate another year of results born from collaborations, dedication and innovation. Early last year Houston Board members partnered with staff to create the initiative,“Building a College-Bound Culture.” Staff, board members, and community volunteers came together to undertake this important charge---teaching pre-school parents to set high expectations for their children at an early age. Children learn from their parents, so we also teach parents. They too must seek better education and training opportunities and understand the financial resources necessary to educate their children.

AVANCE parents want the best for their children and are willing to make the necessary sacrifices.

In 2013, we saw that 70% of the parents who completed their GED enrolled in college or skills training. Children from the AVANCE preschool programs that partner with HISD scored the highest among their peers in Stanford Math test. Children from the Parent-Child Education Program show 90% retention rate when they reach high school. Their parents increased their employment and home ownership rates and continued their education. Children who attend pre-school are more likely to graduate and attend college. In 2013, we documented that AVANCE can “build a college-bound culture.”

On behalf of the Board, we thank our funding partners, collaborators, corporate and individual donors, and a multitude of stakeholders. We will continue to strengthen families, bolster educational aspirations, and transform communities.

Contents

Executive Director's Message

Building a College-Bound Culture Campaign

2013 Highlights

2013 Events

AVANCE-Houston Programs

Students Served

Corporate Volunteers

Financial Outlook

AVANCE-Houston Donors

AVANCE-Houston Leadership Team

AVANCE-Houston Centers

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03

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06

08

10

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Executive DirectorAVANCE-Houston, Inc.

Board ChairAVANCE-Houston, Inc.

A Message from the Executive Director, Board Chair and CEO

José Villarreal Pete C. Garcia

President/CEOAVANCE, Inc.

Building aCollege-Bound Culture Campaign

Rick J. Noriega

2 AVANCE-HOUSTON 2013 ANNUAL REPORT 3AVANCE-HOUSTON 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

AVANCE programs raised the Kindergarten reading scores in at-risk communities by 20%.

20%

FUN FACTAVANCE-Houston created a task force of education experts whose insights and guidance helped launch a campaign to lead families to higher education.

Banners were installed in all AVANCE locations, and a pilot program was implemented in the Pasadena Early Head Start program. The plan is to expand the pilot program throughout all locations and reinforce a college-bound culture.

Another great reason to celebrate the new school year was a special visit from IACF Board Member, Surender Talwar, who brought a check to support AVANCE programs. Surender was greeted by staff and a mother and son who graduated from the Parent-Child program in 2005 and are now high achievers in school.

After learning how AVANCE impacted this family’s life, Surender explained why IACF supports the organization.

I like AVANCE’s innovative approach because parents learn to take ownership for transforming the educational achievement of their children — and we are committed to continue helping diverse populations in Houston.

José Villarreal Receives Community Service AwardAVANCE-Houston Executive Director was honored by Houston Community College for decades of dedication and commitment to empowering Houston families.

Know Safety, No Pain In 2013, AVANCE launched this campaign to promote safety – and reduced accidents by 52% across the Houston chapter, thanks to a safety committee made up of representatives from all programs and various departments.

Their mission: “To promote and practice a safe work environment at AVANCE.”

The committee’s inspection team proactively identifies hazards before they cause any injuries, while the investigation team follows up with accidents to identify root causes and take corrective actions.

AVANCE-Houston’s Adult Education program has earned ProLiteracy accreditation, and is now among only three Adult Education programs in the nation to receive this recognition.

The AVANCE program was thoroughly assessed for one year based on 16 standards of quality, and the outcome of the review demonstrated that our services meet the highest standards of governance, program management, and volunteer development.

ProLiteracy accreditation is the only nationally accredited system available in the adult education and literacy field.

It provides a recognizable stamp of quality for local literacy providers.

This accreditation assures students, volunteers, employees, funders, and the community at large that AVANCE implements high-quality services within a sound management framework.

AVANCE-Houston’s Adult Education Program Ranks

Top in the Nation

GED Graduates received career coaching and a $500 scholarships, resulting in 70% enrollment in college or skills training.

70%

Indo-American Charity Foundation Presents Check to AVANCE

““


FUN FACT

2013Highlights

2013Events

Houston Texan Visit

Nose tackle Earl Mitchell spent his 26th birthday with

some loyal fans: parents, children and staff at

AVANCE’s Mangum center, where he signed autographs.

Picturing America

Showcase Children’s drawings

reflecting their career goals – firefighters, mail carriers,

cops, chefs, teachers – were showcased at art

galleries during Week of the Young Child.

Gold Assessment

Tool AVANCE has a valuable

new tool to assess children from the

Parent-Child and Adult Education programs and measure their progress.

AVANCE's 25th Anniversary A record-breaking $200,000

was raised during this year’s gala honoring San Antonio

Mayor Julian Castro and exemplary AVANCE graduates, The Contreras-Martínez Family.

Mentorship Kick Off

For the third year, AVANCE GED students

partnered with community experts who

volunteered to help them obtain their GED, college degree, or certification.

Two Vehicles for Two

Families Two deserving Head

Start parents each received a vehicle

donated by Progressive Insurance, Crossroad Collision and Unique

Collision Centers.

New Board Chairman

AVANCE-Houston is pleased to welcome Pete Garcia – owner of Pete Garcia

International – as our new Chair of the Board, on

which he has served since 2009. He succeeds Martha

Rost, who served in that position from 2010 and

accomplished great things for AVANCE, including the development of a five-year

strategic plan.

Deferred Action at Work Alma Ortiz and her children

attended AVANCE’s Early Head Start program. During that time, she

volunteered helping teachers and eventually

assuming the role of Policy Council President.

The experience and skills she obtained through her

participation helped her meet the Deferred Action

employment requirements and cleared the way for

her to become an AVANCE teacher.

Replacing Car Seats

Children’s car seats were inspected and replaced,

if necessary, with properly installed and

age-appropriate seats at AVANCE’s Mangum and

Hardy centers.

300 Parents

& Children Graduate

On May 29th, 300 parents and children graduated

from our nine-month Parent-Child Education

program, and many are enrolling in other AVANCE

programs.

Week of the Young Child

This year’s theme focused on careers and protecting the

environment, as preschoolers enjoyed

outdoor water fun, danced, sang, and

created arts and crafts.

"Oh the pla

ces you'll

go". Dr. Seuss


HealthyMarriage

HeadStart

Our Parent-Child Education program serves as a national model of early intervention, designed to affirm that the welfare of children, families, and community is mutually reinforcing.

The program is based on the premise that parents are their children’s first and most important teachers. Through a variety of workshops and creative toy-making sessions, we train parents to help their children excel during their most critical years of learning.

The Parent-Child program is the primary gateway to AVANCE. Upon completion, parents are encouraged to transition to the other programs, including preparing themselves to pursue higher education.

Parents are the First Teachers, Home is the First Classroom

Adult EducationAVANCE provides Adult Education programs involving a continuum of services to prepare students to access higher education.

ABE/GEDThe Adult Basic Education program provides instruction in mathematics, reading, and writing. The GED academic program prepares students to succeed in obtaining their GED Certificate (High School Equivalency).

ESL (English as Second Language)AVANCE offers classes at basic and intermediate levels for adults who wish to improve their ability to speak, read, or write the English language.

GED on the MoveTo create a college-bound culture within our families, in 2011, AVANCE launched GED On the Move, a program that prepares our GED students to transition into viable post-secondary career options, including college credit enrollment, child development certificate training, and job skills training. Through this program, we also offer financial aid, C-PALS mentorship, a parent coaching academy, college field trips, online labs and tutoring, and AVANCE scholarship awards.

Computer LiteracyComputer Literacy encompasses the basic understanding of computer hardware and software.These classes empower parents to involve themselves in their children’s education and enhance their own capabilities in the workforce. Students learn Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, file management, e-mail, web browsing, and social media skills.

Head StartHead Start is a comprehensive program for children three to five years of age, helping them to develop mentally, socially, emotionally, and physically and, ultimately, preparing them to enter kindergarten, school-ready.

To enroll in Head Start, families must be income eligible by meeting the requirements of the federal poverty guidelines. They must also live within the zip codes that we service and have up-to-date immunizations, well-child and dental exams for the children who are applying.

The program includes educational, developmental, nutritional, and mental health services for children and supports educational services for parents.

Early Head StartEarly Head Start is a child development and family support program for children from zero to three years of age and pregnant women. Its mission is to promote healthy prenatal outcomes for pregnant women, enhance the development of their young children, and promote healthy family functioning.

AVANCE Early Head Start offers a vast array of services, both home and Center based, including educational, nutritional, mental health and wellness, social, and prenatal support services.

All families wishing to enroll in Early Head Start must be income eligible by meeting the requirements of the federal poverty guidelines. They must also live within the zip codes that we service and have up-to-date immunizations, well-child and dental exams for the children who are applying. Community

Resources

ComputerLiteracy

EarlyHead Start

BA C

FatherhoodAdult

Education

Fatherhood (offered in English and Spanish)Through a series of workshops, field trips, and activities, the Fatherhood program provides dads with tools for their individual advancement, helping them learn to enjoy the experience of being an active partner in raising their children. The program focuses on increasing the father’s role in the child’s education, nurturing and bonding with the child, loving and respecting the child's mother, coaching the child, and serving as a role model.

Healthy Marriage (offered in English and Spanish)The focus of this initiative is to provide married couples, engaged couples, or singles access to marriage education services, so they can acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to form and sustain a healthy marriage for the well-being of the family. The program offers weekly interactive, educational, and fun workshops, with presentations in diverse topics designed to help couples enhance the quality of their marriage and home life.

Thanks to a grant received in 2011, the Healthy Marriage program now features a supplemental Community Empowerment program, which helps participants gain knowledge and have access to better career opportunities. Topics include professional development, career counseling, job etiquette, and job placement.

Community ResourcesAVANCE offers additional support to our participants through community referrals with partnering agencies or payment of services for eligible families. This includes assistance with social services, health, nutrition, and intervention support.

GED

ON TH E MOVE

Parent-Child


Parent-Child Program: Parents bolstered aspirations for children; resulting in a 90% High School retention rate.

90%

FUN FACT

AVANCE-HoustonPrograms

AVANCE partnered with BBVA Compass, Bank of America, Rice University, Wells Fargo, H&R Block, and Chase to provide numerous free Finance Education workshops to AVANCE participants throughout the months of October and November.

Families enjoyed sessions in Budget Planning, Building Credit, Opening Bank Accounts, First Time Home Buying, and more. The Head Start children also had an enjoyable experience with fun interactive activities tailored to their age.

ConocoPhillips Toy-Making KitTwenty volunteers from the Women’s Network community-outreach program at ConocoPhillips worked numerous hours measuring, cutting, and preparing materials for the Parent-Child program. Thanks to these volunteers, our parents now have enough kits to make toys for the rest of the program year. This group has performed this project for AVANCE for the past three years.

ChaseBBVA CompassBank of America Wells Fargo H&R Block

Our goal is to introduce children to financial responsibility at a young age and also work with adults and the communities in which we do business. For us, service

means leveraging our expertise by teaching personal financial responsibility.

-Ryan McCauley, Relationships Manager for JP Morgan Chase.

“ “

AVANCE Families Receive Free Finance Education

Corporate Volunteers

Parent-Child179

Early Head Start 454

Healthy Marriage491

Head Start2,35052%

4%

11%

Early Childhood Education 454 10%

18%

5%

Adult Education462

4,390Served


• With parent involvement and pre-school education, AVANCE

children are school ready and college-bound.

• Among its peers, AVANCE pre-school children showed the highest scores in Stanford Math when they enter Kindergarten.

FUN FACTS

StudentsServed

Amounts in thousandsAmounts in thousands

FY 2013 and FY 2012 FY 2013 and FY 2012

$ $ $

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$28Mtotal revenue

AVANCE-HoustonDonors


2013 2012 2013 2012

ASSETS REVENUE AND OTHER SUPPORT

Cash 370,414 314,178 Grants 22,378,549 23,033,336

Grants Receivable 369,431 501,930 Contributions 237,965 332,646

Prepaid Rents 2,280 117,319 United Way 241,905 227,778

Other Receivables and Deposits 11,321 9,246 Fund-Raising 51,313 81,293

Property and Equipment, Net 1,748,245 2,132,376 In-Kind 5,826,474 4,842,235

Total Assets 2,501,691 3,075,049 Total Revenues 28,736,206 28,517,288

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS EXPENSES

Accounts Payable 50,010 117,402 Program Services 21,877,371 21,760,140

Accrued Expenses 331,001 428,644 Aldine ISD 3,651,756 3,719,306

Due to AVANCE, Inc. - 3,431 General and Administrative (G&A) 2,363,762 1,940,050

Total Liabilities 381,011 549,477 In-Kind (G&A) 713,944 753,763

Fund Development 119,896 196,205

NET ASSETS Total Expenses 28,726,729 28,369,464

Unrestricted 2,120,680 2,500,572

Temporary Restricted - 25,000 Change in Net Assets 9,477 147,824

Total Net Assets 2,120,680 2,525,572 Depreciation Expenses 414,369 491,186

Total Liabilities and Net Assets 2,501,691 3,075,049 Net Assets at Beginning of Year 2,525,572 2,868,934

Net Assets at End of Year 2,120,680 2,525,572

AVANCE transformed our lives. Thank you to all donors, volunteers and staff for making these programs possible.-The Barajas-Castillo Family“

“

FinancialOutlook

70% of Healthy Marriage participants seeking career advancement enrolled in training, improved their wages or found employment.

70%

FUN FACT

ABM Fiesta Mart PWC

AT&T Greenberg Traurig, LLP Rob & Betsy McCeney

AVANCE-Inc. Harris County Hospital District Foundation Ronald Oran

Bank of America Houston Center for Literacy Service King Collision Repair Centers

Bill Bootz Houston Community College Shawn Green

Cadence Bank Houston Endowment Smart Financial Credit Union

CenterPoint Energy Houston Hispanic Forum Spindletop Charities

Challenge Office Products Houston Texans Tanya Allen Easter

Christine & Mark Laskin Indo-American Charity Foundation The Brown Foundation

Clinicas Mi Doctor Jim Drew The Clayton Fund

ConocoPhillips José & Sylvia Villarreal The Hamman Foundation

Dan Ranta Littler Mendelson P.C. United Methodist Church

David Raj Longevity Realty Partners United Way of Greater Houston

Donna & Igor Alexander Luz E. Flores & Michael Baerga Univision 45

Donna Wheeler Macy's Victor Quiñones

Dorothy Caram Mango Punch Vinson & Elkins, LLP

E & J Gallo Winery Martha Rost Wells Fargo

Enterprise Holdings Foundation McConnell & Jones, LLP Zions Management Services Company

Eva Moldovanyi Optimal Sports Fundraising Group

ExxonMobil Port of Houston

Special thanks to: AVANCE staff for generously donating over

$40K toward programs in 2013.

1. Acres Homes6719 W. MontgomeryHouston, TX 77091(713) 694-1619

2. Browning607 NorthwoodHouston, TX 77009(713) 869-1684

3. Golden Forest5750 Golden ForestHouston, TX 77092(713) 682-9146

4. Holbrook6402 Langfield Rd. #45Houston, TX 77092(713) 462-4423

5. Jefferson5000 SharmanHouston, TX 77009(713) 697-1108

6. Jensen Drive2702 Aldine-WestfieldHouston, TX 77093(713) 742-8952

7. Ketelsen600 QuitmanHouston, TX 77009(713) 223-3131

8. KIPP500 TidwellHouston, TX 77022(832) 230-0566

9. Lincoln Park790 West Little YorkHouston, TX 77091(281) 448-3600

10. Mangum4503 Mangum Rd.Houston, TX 77092(713) 686-5228

11. Mt. Houston11703 Eastex FreewayHouston, TX 77039(281) 219-2256

12. Oakwood7211 Oakwood GlenSpring, TX 77379(281) 370-9665

13. Oxford 605 Berry Rd.Houston, TX 77022(713) 694-8994

14. Kruse400 Park Ln. Pb # 33Pasadena, TX 77506(713) 534-0350

15. Tegeler4949 BurkePasadena, TX 77504(713) 740-0412

16. Wesley1417 Noble St.Houston, TX 77009(713) 227-4300

17. Administrative and Program Offices 4281 DacomaHouston, TX 77092(713) 812-0033

Parent-Child Program Locations

• 4301 Dacoma• Thomas Jefferson Elementary • Kruse Elementary• Acres Homes• Spring Shadows Elementary• Southmayd Elementary• Clemente Martínez Elementary

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Houston, Texas

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Pasadena, Texas

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Spring, Texas17

Executive LeadersRichard J. NoriegaPresident and CEOAVANCE, Inc.

José VillarrealExecutive DirectorAVANCE-Houston, Inc.

Dr. Carla DanburyChief Operations Officer

Luz Flores Sr. Director of Marketing and Administration

Antionette MontgomerySr. Director of Head Start

Janie B. CastroSr. Director of Early Head Start and Support Programs

Nilia L. JiménezSr. Director of Strategic Partnerships, Support Programs and Outcomes Management

Cindy TranSr. Director of Finance

Rondalyn S. DavisDirector of ERSEA and Support Services

Tolenia J. LeeManager of Board Services

Martha Rost Board Chair

Sabrina Martínez Vice Chair of Programs

Pete García Vice Chair of Development

Rob McCeney Treasurer

Diego Adrian Gorena Secretary

Tanya Allen Easter

Tamara Gabriel

Rudy R. Martínez, Jr.

Susana Martínez

Dwayne L. Mason

Ryan McCauley

Kate H. McConnico

Matt Neal

Ron Oran, Jr.

Charlie Pryor

Neale A. Shields

Donna Wheeler

Leslie Wilson

Sheila Briones

Pamela Jarrett

Zameer Upadhya

Dr. David Vasser

Surender Talwar

MembersOfficers

Board of Directors

15AVANCE-HOUSTON 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

AVANCE-HoustonCenters

17Locations

14 AVANCE-HOUSTON 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

AVANCE-HoustonLeadership

AVANCE is making a difference because it links literacy with essential life skills.

-Former First Lady Laura Bush

““

www.avancehouston.org

713.812.0033

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Avance annual report revised 3 31

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