Reclaiming the Ten Spot

May 13, 2011 - PRLog -- AVANCE, Inc. just moved up two notches to reclaim the number ten spot in Hispanic Business Magazine’s 2011 list of “Top 25 Nonprofits.” This is the fourth consecutive year the San Antonio-based national agency has been recognized for supporting Hispanic education.

“The past two years have been challenging for AVANCE, but also the most rewarding,” said AVANCE’s President and CEO, Rick Noriega.  “Our team, the AVANCE family, has worked tirelessly to keep us on track and we are honored to be amongst some of the finest of who’s who in the Hispanic arena.”

The agency received $12.6 million this past year, the largest grant award in their history, from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation.  The monies are for the expansion of their Parent-Child Education Program via the Unlocking America’s Potential Project.  Already they have expanded to seven additional states.

“These are exciting times for AVANCE.  The tremendous efforts of many people over the past 38 years are now paying off and our goal to expand AVANCE is now a reality.  By 2015 we will have established 15 new sites across the U.S.,” stated Noriega.

Though the agency reached a milestone in securing one of the largest grant awards in its history they still have many obstacles to overcome.  According to Noriega they are developing a marketing plan to license their Parent-Child Program and are seeking funding from the business sector to offset the costs associated with the research, evaluation, and marketing of their program.  “$12.6 million seems like a lot of money, but it is money already spent,” said Noriega.  “We are still challenged to raise additional monies to support existing programs and infrastructure.  As governmental and foundation support dwindles it becomes imperative we incorporate other funding options and innovative practices.  Our program is a necessity, an investment in America’s future, because I see AVANCE playing a major role in winning the future of Latino Education.”

For more than 38 years the nonprofit has been committed to serving low-income, at-risk Hispanic populations. Through the evidenced-based “Parent-Child Education Program” and other support services, AVANCE provides education and assistance to thousands of Hispanic families each year.

“The success of AVANCE is not just about good planning or good business; it’s about our staff, our devoted employees.  I’ve never seen such a group of passionate workers.  We all care about giving back to the community and making a difference.  At the end of the day our successes aren’t weighed by how much money we made, but on how many parents and children did we help,” said Noriega.

In 2010, AVANCE put over $44 million back into the communities they serve.