HOPE
As parents we hope to raise good and educated sons
and daughters who will also contribute to this society. A special thanks in my
case because I am a widow, and for me I found a lot of help and support here in
the Avance program. You have
helped us, my daughter and me, to rise up in spite of our circumstances. I hope
that your program continues to educate parents and children so that we may make
a better world full of hope.
~ Myriam, Avance-Dallas
graduate
"In September my car was stolen and both of my
children's car seats were in there. Another charity would give me one car seat
but I needed two. HOPE gave me a car seat. At that time I had no money to
replace them. I am very thankful because my children are safe."
~ Cynthia, Avance-Dallas
mother
Low-income families face higher risks of financial
and personal setbacks. They’re trying to free themselves from the cycle of
poverty, but crises often arise that derail them. It’s hard to get back on
track when they’re discouraged and the process seems overwhelming.
When families enter Avance-Dallas,
they’re working to improve their life situation, and our HOPE Program seeks to
make sure nothing derails families in their pursuit of finishing the Avance-Dallas program.
HOPE stands for Hispanic Outreach to Parents in
their Environment. Through HOPE our Case Workers and Family Helpers meet with
parents from the Parent-Child Program in a confidential, personal setting. They
help them get the encouragement and resources they need—including referrals,
limited rent and utilities assistance, and case management services—to overcome
crises and complete the educational program.
In the 2008–2009 program year, we provided HOPE
services to 301 parents and 487 children.
By the end of the year, our participants say they
know how to access resources if they need it, but they also express that
they’re less likely to need it. In other words, getting people through the Avance-Dallas program often advances
them to a place of self-sufficiency.