AVANCE Family Support and Education Program

Contact:	Mercedes Perez de Colon Vice President of Program Services and Development AVANCE, Inc. 301 S. Frio, Suite 310 San Antonio, TX 78207 Tel: (210) 270–4630 Fax: (210) 270–4612
Main Purpose:	To stabilize and strengthen parent-child relationships, stimulate success in school, and strengthen the parental role as an advocate for the child
Target Group:	At-risk parents with children under age 4, especially Hispanic parents
Description:	AVANCE consists of 27 lessons taught over a month-long period covering the role of parents in children's development: cognitive, physical, social, and emotional. The program includes an emphasis on language development and effective discipline. In one class, parents are taught to make toys that teach their pre-schoolers skills and concepts through play. A community resources class teaches parents how to access needed services. Services that support participation include home visits, transportation, and child care while parents attend classes. Classes are held for fathers in the evenings. Parents can take ESOL classes, GED, and college-level classes. The program is located in three Texas communities serving over 6,000 parents and children annually.

(Sources: National Network for Family Resiliency program descriptions, and The CICC Parent Training and Family Life Catalog, 2nd edition)

Parenting IS Prevention Training of Trainers Workshop, 1998	SAMHSA

Office of National Drug Control Policy