Programs Taken: PCEP (3), Healthy Relationships (formerly Healthy Marriage), ESL, Head Start, Fatherhood. Involvement with AVANCE: Policy Council Member
Erika and Oscar Carrillo Learn the Path to a Healthy Family Relationship
Erika Carrillo, an industrial engineer from Coahuila, Mexico, came to the United States shortly after graduating from college to learn to speak English.
“Our first child was diagnosed with a speech delay at a young age, and I was worried about what would happen to Oscar when he started going to school. I met a lady who told me how happy she was with AVANCE Head Start. Oscar was accepted into Head Start and was immediately referred to speech therapy.”
“I have participated in PCEP (Parent-Child Education Program) three times. All three of my children enjoyed the toys I made by hand. The toys are a great asset; they help parents with fun and interactive ways to communicate and play with our children.”
“Although time has passed, every lesson learned continues to benefit my kids and me as a parent. Head Start was important for me because the school was small and intimate, and the teachers were friendly and knowledgeable. I was glad I found a place where my children matured and were well prepared for elementary school.”
Benefits for adults
Erika recalls that her husband took the Fatherhood workshops while she was taking the ESL (English as a Second Language) classes. After completing the Fatherhood program, the couple enrolled in Healthy Relationships (formerly known as the Healthy Marriage Program).
“The Healthy Relationships program helped strengthen our marriage. We learned how to care for each other and, most importantly, be better at co-parenting. The facilitators taught us the importance of staying connected as a couple. Although it is difficult to find time to spend together as a couple, we have learned to make it work thanks to AVANCE.”
Lifelong learning
“For me, AVANCE is an institution that focuses on helping the entire family, and no one is left behind. It is more than just helping children with school. They have programs for every family member. They change your perspective of what it is to be a father/mother. We were all raised with different ideas and values, and we believe our upbringing is the only way. Perhaps it was the right way in the past, but things have changed, and having an expert help you be a better parent is great!” Erika said.
“It doesn’t matter how well-educated you are. When it comes to parenting, we are all ignorant, and that’s okay because you can always seek help. I have a degree, but that degree didn’t prepare me to raise a family,” she added. “AVANCE is not only the school my children went to or where I learned how to be a better parent or partner. AVANCE is simply family.”
