The Rio Grande Guardian: Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) President Felida Villarreal gives an update on her group’s work and how it interconnects with the Hidalgo Prosperity Task Force
MCALLEN, Texas – Only two percent of philanthropic investment in the United States goes to Latino-serving organizations, VIDA President & CEO Felida Villarreal has announced.
“That is a statistic that is incredibly disappointing, and it’s a very real challenge that we are up against as nonprofits, especially when we’re seeking funding at a national and state level,” Villarreal said, in a podcast with the Rio Grande Guardian.
Villarreal said she learned of the statistic when appearing on a podcast with former U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro. The podcast, titled Uplifting Latinos, was hosted by Hispanic Executive magazine. Castro, a former mayor of San Antonio, appeared on the podcast in his new role as head of the Latino Community Foundation.
Asked if she was shocked to learn that the percentage of philanthropic investment in Latino serving was so low, Villarreal said: “Absolutely. I hope it’s a story that we as nonprofits across the country continue to work to change that.”
Asked how the podcast came about, Villarreal said: “I had the opportunity to connect a couple years ago with Hispanic Executive at a conference in Chicago. They are based there. So, I met the team and since then we’ve developed a very nice partnership. They recently invited me to do this video interview with Julián Castro in his new role with Latino Community Foundation.”
Villarreal said she was pleased to have the opportunity to interact with a national figure like Castro.
“It was definitely a very exciting opportunity. It was an opportunity to dive into a lot of the issues surrounding the nonprofit sector, especially for organizations serving Latino communities,” Villarreal said.
“This is perfectly in alignment with what VIDA does here in the Rio Grande Valley. I was very grateful that I had the opportunity to ask him a couple of questions that I think were very relevant to the type of work that we do.”
VIDA Awarded $100,000 Grant from Texas Mutual to Support Cultivating Resiliency and Stability for Working Families Initiative
Mercedes, Texas (July 10, 2024)— Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) is honored to be one of 57 nonprofits chosen as grant partners through Texas Mutual Insurance Company for a generational learning grant cycle focused on supporting working families. These grants are part of Texas Mutual’s commitment of $4 million to support nonprofit organizations in Texas. Selected partners enhance worker and family health, education access, strengthen early childhood education, and provide comprehensive support empowering families with resources for seizing opportunities.
“We are very grateful to Texas Mutual for selecting VIDA as a recipient of this $100,000 grant. It remains our top priority to support our low-income residents in achieving economic mobility through high-demand, high-wage career pathways. This grant will enable VIDA to maintain its essential wraparound support services aimed at fostering economic resilience in the RGV,” said Felida Villarreal, VIDA’s President & CEO.
Uplifting Latinos: A Conversation with Felida Villarreal and Julián Castro
Hispanic Executive’s mission is to unite the leaders of the new majority by turning a spotlight on our community’s most influential Latinos. We tell stories about Latinos and for Latinos.
Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA)‘s Felida Villarreal returns for our American Dream series to speak with former presidential candidate Julián Castro, who was appointed CEO of the Latino Community Foundation at the start of 2024.
Castro last spoke with Hispanic Executive as part of our Conversations at the Top series during his bid for president in 2020. He previously served on the San Antonio City Council in 2001 and then was elected mayor in 2009, making him the youngest mayor of a Top 50 American city at the time. He served in the Obama administration as US Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
In this exclusive interview with Villarreal, Castro speaks on driving Latino civic engagement in California, how elected officials can better serve Latino communities, and key strategies for supporting communities statewide.
How VIDA Creates American Success Stories
Veronica Montemayor and Isidro Ramos lead different parts of the Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA), the Rio Grande’s career guidance, training, and life skills nonprofit whose graduates have gone on to thousands of successful careers since 1995.
The organization tackles unemployment and underemployment issues of the region by creating the ideal circumstances for its residents to learn new skills for in-demand jobs. VIDA’s support services include intensive case management and financial assistance to help its program participants make better lives for themselves and those around them.
But that’s only part of what makes VIDA so special. Its job training component includes pursuing degrees and/or industry recognized credentials in fields of healthcare, STEM, and skilled trades. The program training can be as short as weeks and as long as years, but the inevitable result is individuals who are prepared for roles that desperately need to be filled.
Unlock Your Future with VIDA: Your Guide to Choosing the Right Program!
Picking the perfect program is key to shaping your future success, and VIDA is here to help you every step of the way. You’ll have the guidance and support necessary to make the best decision. Here’s how to ensure you choose wisely:
1.Know Your Interests: Take a deep dive into what excites you. With VIDA’s array of programs, there’s something for everyone!
2. Research, Research, Research: Utilize VIDA’s resources to thoroughly explore the programs available. From detailed curriculum outlines to insights into faculty expertise, we provide all the information you need to make an informed choice about your educational journey.
3. Align with Your Goals: Envision your future and select a program that aligns with your career aspirations. At VIDA, we’re committed to helping you achieve your dreams.
4. Count on Our Support: Our team is here for you every step of the way. Reach out for guidance and assistance as you navigate your options.
5. Embrace Opportunities: Be a part of the valuable opportunities provided by VIDA. Whether it’s group sessions, one-on-one sessions, workshops, and more, we are here to assist you in enhancing your educational journey.
Ready to take the next step? Explore VIDA’s programs today and start shaping your future! With VIDA, the possibilities are endless, and your success is within reach. 🚀
Simulating the Future: VIDA Nursing Simulation Centers Ribbon Cutting
On Thursday, Feb. 1st, 2024 VIDA along with South Texas College (STC) and Intelligent Video Solutions – IPIVS.com to mark a significant milestone with the official ribbon cutting for the VIDA Nursing Simulation Centers at STC. This momentous occasion signifies a leap forward in healthcare education, particularly in addressing the pressing need for enhanced clinical training opportunities in underserved areas.
VIDA’s investment in cutting-edge equipment reflects a bold approach to augmenting clinical training capacity and broadening access to healthcare education through the integration of virtual reality technology. By embracing innovative solutions, we strive to equip future healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their careers.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the entire team at Intelligent Video Solutions for their unwavering guidance, expertise, and support throughout the installation process. Their commitment has been instrumental in ensuring the success of these nursing simulation centers, elevating the standard of healthcare education in the Rio Grande Valley.
Additionally, we extend heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated team at South Texas College for their continued trust in VIDA’s program and their dedication to fostering partnerships that benefit underprivileged demographics. This achievement serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and underscores our collective commitment to driving positive change in workforce development across the region.
As we celebrate this momentous occasion, let us reaffirm our commitment to working together to educate and empower individuals, one life at a time. Together, we have the opportunity to shape the future of healthcare education in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond.
AEP Foundation Awards VIDA $25,000 to Promote Economic Mobility in the RGV through Job Training
Mercedes, Texas (Jan. 23, 2024)—Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) is honored to be a grant recipient of The American Electric Power Foundation. This significant contribution empowers VIDA to broaden its impact, sustaining crucial initiatives in assisting low-income residents of the Rio Grande Valley to achieve economic mobility through job training.
The AEP Foundation grant recognizes the pivotal role of community organizations in fostering positive change. It focuses on addressing socio-economic challenges and creating pathways for job training and economic advancement for low-income adults. This funding significantly contributes to strengthening our community’s economic resilience and providing quality job training opportunities for residents facing financial challenges.
“We are grateful for the AEP Foundation’s support, which not only strengthens our efforts in workforce and economic development, but also resonates with our commitment to addressing basic needs for education completion. This grant will allow VIDA to continue providing the essential wraparound support services for building and sustaining a competitive workforce in the RGV. Thank you, AEP Foundation, for recognizing the importance of investing in human capital to promote economic prosperity across region”, said Felida Villarreal, VIDA’s President & CEO.
This grant is a vital financial support, showcasing the impactful results when individuals and organizations unite to address key community challenges. VIDA expresses heartfelt appreciation to The American Electric Power Foundation for their unwavering belief in VIDA’s mission.
About Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement:
For over 28 years, VIDA has helped more than 6,000 economically disadvantaged valley residents successfully complete career training programs in high demand occupations and achieve self-sufficiency. In 2023, VIDA served 627 participants with an average persistence rate of 96%. Participants entered VIDA’s program earning an average hourly wage of $10.54, but graduated and secured employment with an average hourly wage of over $23.44! This is a true representation of human capital investment and aligning workforce skills with local industry demand. To learn more about VIDA, please visit www.vidacareers.org or call (956) 903-1900.
VIDA is awarded $100,000 from Texas Mutual to support workforce development and safety training
Mercedes, Texas (Jan. 02, 2024)—Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) is honored to be one of 57 nonprofits chosen as grant partners through Texas Mutual Insurance Company development and safety training grant cycle focused on fortifying businesses to strengthen the state’s economy. These grants are part of Texas Mutual’s larger commitment of $8 million in grant funding to nonprofit organizations across the state in two categories—generational learning for working families, and workforce development and safety training.
Methodist Healthcare Ministries awards VIDA $60,000 to enhance Career Pathways for Allied Health Professionals
Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) is honored to be a grant recipient of Methodist Healthcare Ministries. This substantial contribution allows VIDA to expand its impact and continue its essential efforts in advancing career training opportunities for allied health professionals.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas Awards VIDA $25,000
VIDA is selected as a recipient of the $25,000 Blue Impact Grant. This generous grant highlights BCBSTX and their dedication to backing community-based organizations.