The Chapa Family
Georgette Chapa’s journey with AVANCE began in 1990 when she was a 20-year-old stay-at-home mom with a young son. Her sister-in-law, an AVANCE Home Visitor, invited her to attend PCEP. Georgette was hesitant, but seeing what her sister-in-law did gave her the confidence to try something different.
Through PCEP, Georgette learned how to improve her parenting skills, but more than that, she says AVANCE broadened her perspective. She found inspiration in her Parent Educator, deciding to teach, empower, and educate other parents. Following PCEP, Georgette attended ESL classes, and when she was ready, she began applying for every open position at AVANCE. Ultimately, she was hired as a Home Visitor in 1993. She has since worked diligently to encourage other parents and offer them the same opportunities. Today, Georgette serves as the Center Director for the AVANCE Carmen P. Cortez Family Center.
Georgette is also the proud mother of three sons, two of whom participated in AVANCE programs. Her oldest, Amadeo, earned his Bachelor’s from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, then discovered his passion for BBQ and coffee. Today at 33, Amadeo is the general manager of one of Texas’s Top 50 BBQ joints and a master coffee roaster at the restaurant’s café. He also has a family of his own, with two young children. Georgette’s second son Derly, now 30, earned his Bachelor’s at the University of Texas at Austin before pursuing his Juris Doctor at the University of Arkansas. Derly returned to Texas and now serves as Assistant Criminal District Attorney. Georgette’s youngest son, Sebastian, graduated high school and now works in San Marcos. He is passionate about music and cars and plans to return to school to become a diesel technician or welder.
As the keynote speaker at the 2022 PCEP graduation, Derly delivered a message to inspire parents to see that every child has the opportunity to succeed and become the best version of themselves. He spoke from experience, knowing his mother had applied everything she had learned to nurture and support him and his brothers on their journeys.