VIDA PRESS RELEASES

VIDA featured in ‘Companies Committed to Latinos’ series by Hispanic Executive, Sept. 18, 2023
VIDA Believes in Better World for the Rio Grande Valley with unrivaled training programs and support network, Felida Villarreal and Irma Garcia help Rio Grande Valley residents secure high-skilled, high-wage jobs..
Photo by Cass Davis

VIDA receives a $100,000 operating grant from Trellis Foundation, Sept. 12, 2023
VIDA is honored to be a grant recipient of the Trellis Foundation to continue enhancing career pathways for low-income students. This general operating support for VIDA is among $2.5 million total in grants for 26 Texas community-based organizations providing direct impact services to support students in college completion.

VIDA receives a $10,000 digital literacy grant from AT&T, Sept. 8, 2023
Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) received a $10,000 grant from AT&T, an award reflecting AT&T’s commitment to advancing education, strengthening communities, and improving lives.

VIDA receives a $25,000 Blue Impact grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX), August 28, 2023
Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA)announced today it received a Blue ImpactSM grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX), an award reflecting BCBSTX’s dedication to community-based organizations that prioritize the well-being of children and families.

The U.S Department of Labor awards VIDA as one of the selected 25 organzations to receive grants for nursing expansion, July 27, 2023
VIDA is one of the 25 organizations to be a recepient of The U.S Department of Labor grants for $300,000,000 which will help train and develop nursing professionals in the Rio Grande Valley.

VIDA’s 1st annual Golf Tournament is honored to have Lone Star National Bank as its Title Sponsor, May 23, 2023
Thank you for your continued support of VIDA’s program by investing in human capital for workforce development and economic prosperity of our communities through education.

Knapp Community Care Foundation Awards VIDA $100,000, May 23, 2023
Knapp Community Care Foundation awards VIDA $100,000 which will serve our Allied Health students by providing them the opportunity to continue their education and build a stronger workforce.

The Meadows Foundation Awards VIDA $100,000, March. 8, 2023
The Meadows Foundation selected #VIDA as one of its grant recipients to continue to enhance employment opportunities and promote workforce development for an additional 250 Latinas in our communities by providing student support services to pursue degrees and credentials in high-demand occupations.

Texas Rural Communities Awards VIDA $5,000, March. 1, 2023
Texas Rural Communities selects VIDA as one of their grant recipients for students in rural communities. This grant will support in expanding equitable education opportunities and student support services among our underserved demographic in the RGV.

RGV Focus Awards VIDA $25,000, Jan. 12, 2022
RGV Focus selects VIDA as one of their grant recipients for the Texas Mutual Workforce Grant. This grant will support VIDA’s mission in expnading higher education opportunities to the RGV’s underserved demographic by providing financial assistance and intensive case management services.

VIDA is Awarded $350,000 Texas Talent Connection Grant for Workforce Training, Aug. 13, 2021
In efforts to produce a competitive workforce with high-tech skills aligned with tomorrow’s industry needs, Texas Workforce Commissioner – Representing Labor, Julian Alvarez, presents a $350,000 grant award to Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA). This grant will support career training education for 420 students in target demand occupations such as: allied health, STEM, advanced manufacturing, and specialized trades.

VIDA Awarded $625,000 ACE Grant
Bringing Valley residents out of poverty and into high-demand occupations, Feb. 21, 2020
The Texas Innovative Adult Career Education (ACE) Grant Program recently awarded the Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) a two-year, $625,000 grant. This grant will allow VIDA to serve hundreds of Valley residents who are unemployed and underemployed, providing wraparound services to help them graduate into high skilled, high-wage jobs in the region. Holding the check, from left to right, are Laura Lopez, VIDA placement services coordinator, Irma Garcia, VIDA compliance/program services manager, Mary Lou Saenz, VIDA case aide, Astrid Rangel, current VIDA participant, Priscilla Alvarez, VIDA executive director, Isidro Ramos, VIDA workforce development manager, Angie Salinas VIDA accounting assistant, and Ruben Garcia, Jr., VIDA career counselor.

VIDA Receives $10,000 Workforce Development Grant from Union Pacific Foundation, Dec. 6, 2019
Photo Caption: Ivan Jaime, senior director of public affairs for Union Pacific, presents a check for $10,000 to Irma Garcia, compliance and program services manager for Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement. This Workforce Development Grant will underwrite job training and comprehensive, wraparound services for students in the fields of commercial and residential electrical, welding, and civil and electrical engineering.