AVANCE Stories of Success
Blanca Luna
Several years ago, Blanca Luna and her family moved to El Paso from Juarez to provide a better life for their loved
ones. With her husband the only one employed, the Luna family struggled to pay their monthly bills. With a limited command of the English language, Blanca found it difficult to secure a job.
A family friend recommended the AVANCE program to help with her English proficiency and GED attainment. In August of 2009, Blanca and her young child enrolled in AVANCE programming. Through the parenting and the Adult Literacy classes, Blanca learned valuable concepts to help her and her family in the future. She completed programming designed to teach family finances, credit repair, and responsible home ownership, as well as parenting skills to better equip her and her husband to be their children’s first teachers.
Upon graduation of the program in May 2010 and receiving her GED, Blanca enrolled in the AmeriCorps program where she continued working with AVANCE. With the education award that is achieved at the completion of the AmeriCorps service, Blanca was able to enroll in, and later, successfully complete a Child Development Accreditation (CDA) in September 2012. Later that month she utilized her newly acquired certificate to come back to work at AVANCE as a Lead Teacher.
Today, Blanca and her family are the proud owners of their first home. She is planning to enroll at El Paso Community College in January 2013 to further her education. Blanca’s story was made possible by her determination to better the lives of her and her family. Her determination was made possible by the incredible support provided by AVANCE and our community partners.
Nancy Soto
I am proud to say that I am an AVANCE parent and that I have learned a lot from this amazing program. I have had a rough life, but AVANCE has taught me not to lose hope and to be strong, which provides a better life for me and a better living environment for my two daughters.
I was very nervous when I took my GED test, but when I received my test scores I was so overwhelmed and proud of myself. I realized that if I could earn my GED, I could accomplish anything in life. I am so blessed that AVANCE has given me the opportunity to accomplish more by becoming an AmeriCorps member.
AmeriCorps has forced me to think about my future and my goals in life. I knew that being an AmeriCorps member, I would now have the opportunity to achieve my goals for the future.
Thanks to AVANCE – El Paso and the AmeriCorps program, I have enrolled in school. I was able to receive my educational award from my service last year and it has allowed me to continue my education. My two daughters are very proud of me, and I know I am setting a good example for them.
I want to thank those who have made this program possible. If it were not for AVANCE and their supporters, I would not have the opportunity to attend college and be successful in life.
Thank you!
Nancy Soto
Hilda Luna
Hilda Luna has always dreamed big, bust most importantly she dreamed for a better life for her and her family. By enrolling in AVANCE and completing the program, her dreams were becoming reality. It was also becoming evident to her two children.
Upon the completion or the AVANCE Family Literacy Program, Hilda successfully obtained her General Education Diploma (GED), and enrolled in the AVANCE AmeriCorps Program to further her growth. Through the AmeriCorps Program, Hilda continued to practice what she had learned in the Family Literacy Program, and applied it to her practice in the classroom. She was proud of the experience she was gaining, and honored to help others reach the same goal.
After the completion of her AmeriCorps service, Hilda plans to attend college.
“I am very interest in business administration and I want to open my own business. I would also like to learn more about the teaching field.” stated Hilda, “I am real fortunate to be part of AmeriCorps team and the AVANCE family.”
Through her hard work and determination, Hilda is on track to alter the course for her family forever. The knowledge and experience gained through AVANCE is providing a solid foundation, setting herself and her family up for success in school and later life.