AVANCE San Antonio is thrilled to announce the opening of its brand-new Early Head Start (EHS) center located in Vestal. This milestone has been eagerly anticipated by the team, who have dedicated considerable time and effort to bring this project to fruition. The center is already buzzing with activity, as children have begun to explore and enjoy the nurturing environment specifically designed for their early learning needs.
Amelia Espinoza, Center Director, emphasized the transformative potential of the new center: “The south side has long been a hub of cultural richness and community spirit. However, it also faces significant challenges, including higher poverty rates and limited access to quality early childhood education. Our Early Head Start program seeks to bridge this gap by providing comprehensive services that cater to the developmental needs of young children while supporting parents in their roles as their children’s first and most important teachers.”
This beautiful new facility not only marks a significant expansion of our EHS services but also reflects our deep commitment to supporting families and promoting early childhood education in the community. With spacious classrooms, state-of-the-art learning materials, and a child-friendly design, the Vestal EHS center promises a bright start for our youngest learners.
Yesenia Gonzales, AVANCE San Antonio’s Interim Executive Director, highlighted the strong fueling this initiative: “We have been in a remarkable partnership with HISD for over 40 years. This new center and extension of our partnership with HISD is another significant step towards removing barriers so families can thrive, attend school, work, train, play, and receive vital support within the community.”
Adding to the summer excitement, AVANCE San Antonio’s EHS centers have been hosting “Water Days,” giving children a fun and refreshing way to stay cool. These events offer delightful water play activities that not only beat the heat but also enhance physical development and social interaction among children.
It’s safe to say that this summer has been a resounding success for AVANCE San Antonio, marked by the grand opening of the Vestal EHS center and the delightful cool-down activities from the Water Days events. “The grand opening of AVANCE – San Antonio’s new site was a great success, uniting our partners from Harlandale for a morning of celebration. The new Early Head Start center will offer much-needed, high-quality support to our community,” said AVANCE San Antonio, Development Associate, McKayla Carlton