The Cortez Family
Originally from Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico, Janet and Herbert Cortez lived in Houston when their young son Emanuel was diagnosed with a speech delay. Not wanting her son to be labeled, Janet was filled with fear and uncertainty. Then Emanuel’s speech therapist suggested PCEP and referred the family to AVANCE. Janet called immediately and received information about the program and how it could help her and her son.
Like many first-time parents, Janet entered PCEP doubting her parenting skills. But through the program, she improved her patience and strengthened her self-assurance. She also better understood her son’s diagnosis and gained tools to help him succeed. Janet helped Emanuel overcome his shyness and build confidence by applying what she learned. He also became more enthusiastic about school, actively participating in class and sports. Now, Emanuel even has his own Facebook page, created after his Pre-K teacher asked him to turn in homework through videos. He enjoyed the process so much that they now create and share videos of their park visits and other activities that Emanuel thinks are interesting.
When her daughter was born, Janet knew what to look out for, but Gloria did not exhibit any signs of a delay. Instead, Gloria has always been outgoing and eager to learn. In 2020, Gloria participated in AVANCE Early Head Start Home-Based virtual classes. Janet remembers, “She used to get ready early in the mornings and wait impatiently for her teacher to connect.” Today, Emanuel and Gloria are both excelling in elementary school.
Janet’s experience with AVANCE empowered her to become actively involved in her children’s education, even joining the Policy Council that oversees the AVANCE Early Head Start program. Now, Janet is taking ESL classes because, despite holding a Bachelor’s in IT from Mexico, she wants to return to school to become a teacher. She says, “Given all I learned and the challenges I endured while seeking help for Emanuel, it sparked my desire to help other children and their families. Teaching is such a great and compassionate thing to do! I’m thankful for the teachers and the staff at AVANCE, who helped me when I needed it the most.”