The Guzmán Family
AVANCE-San Antonio, 2016
In 2015, Sara Guzmán lived with her three children at Alazán Courts, near the AVANCE Carmen P. Cortez Center. One day while at home with her youngest son Mark, an AVANCE representative knocked on her door with information on PCEP. Sara was skeptical because she had been attending parenting classes since she had her first child at 14. But, despite her reluctance, she enrolled.
Sara immediately felt a sense of belonging and realized PCEP was like nothing she had seen before. Before, Sara had been comfortable as a stay-at-home mom with no plans for further education. But in PCEP, she found support and encouragement that helped her believe she could do more. While in PCEP, Sara joined the AVANCE Early Head Start Home-Based program. She created goals for herself with the help of her Home Educator, who encouraged her to return to school.
Inspired by the stories of AVANCE staff who started their journeys as PCEP parents, Sara enrolled in another AVANCE program to earn her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Her hard work paid off when she was later hired at AVANCE. She was an Early Childhood Teacher at SW 19 for four years before becoming a Home Educator, a position she has held for nearly a year now.
Throughout her journey, Sara learned lessons that also benefited her son, like not being afraid to accept help or try something new. Mark has disabilities, and through AVANCE, Sara accessed early intervention services, which gave her tools to help him build confidence. Mark is now eight and in third grade. He has been able to access special education, and Sara says he is comfortable with school and receiving help. Now older, Mark is confident and does not hesitate to play, explore, or socialize with other children. Like others his age, he enjoys gaming and the outdoors. He especially likes plants and nature and even participates in a local nature club.
Today, Sara’s family is thriving, all because, as she says, “I took a chance.” Now, as an AVANCE team member, Sara is grateful for the opportunity to share her story and instill in others a sense of possibility.