Head Start Center opens in NE Houston

From left

AVANCE Houston hosted their Board of Directors, elected officials, community members and corporate sponsors at a ribbon cutting for AVANCE’s new Head Start Center at 2702 Aldine Westfield.
Future plans for the center include adult education and job skills classes, tutoring services for youth, and a computer lab—all with the goal to create a hub of learning for the entire family.
Keynoting the ribbon cutting ceremony was Congressman Gene Green.
“I was born in this neighborhood and I am thankful to AVANCE for this oasis of learning. AVANCE educates children and parents together, a vision which will soon materialize in this center as a catalyst for change in the Jensen Drive community.”
Other honored guests included Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, State Senator Mario Gallegos and Dr. Alasdair McDonnell, a Member of Parliament for the United Kingdom.

“I am overcome with joy. Here at AVANCE there is a hurricane of spirit and commitment to education. AVANCE represents the building of confidence and the uniting of families. I am delighted to be a part of this day,” Lee said.
AVANCE’s mission is to improve child well being through family learning and parental involvement in children’s education. AVANCE, meaning “advance” in Spanish, has served the educational needs of thousands of lower income families since 1988.
In addition to a total of 13 Head Start centers, AVANCE provides classes in parenting, adult literacy, healthy marriage, fatherhood, ESL, computer skills and GED throughout Harris County. AVANCE plans to incorporate these adult education programs in its Head Start centers to create comprehensive learning centers for entire families.