Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) proudly announces a $620,000 grant from FHI 360’s Compass Rose Collaborative (CRC), funded by the U.S. Department of Labor. This substantial award supports VIDA’s mission to provide education, job readiness, and mentorship to justice-impacted youth, empowering them to transform their lives through meaningful career opportunities and economic stability.

The grant allows VIDA to enhance its reach and deepen its impact among young adults ages 18-24 who face significant barriers to employment and education. The partnership with CRC supports comprehensive services tailored to help justice-impacted individuals overcome systemic challenges, addressing the root causes of recidivism and economic disparity in high-poverty communities. VIDA will deliver job training, educational support, financial literacy, and leadership development to equip participants for sustained success in the workforce.

“This $620,000 grant from FHI 360 is more than a financial investment; it’s a beacon of hope for justice-impacted youth in the Rio Grande Valley,” said Felida Villarreal, President and CEO of VIDA. “We’re not just expanding our reach—we’re deepening our impact by supporting those who have often been overlooked. This project is a testament to our unwavering belief that every individual, regardless of their past, deserves a brighter future, and it’s an investment in our entire community.”

CRC initiatives also emphasize pre-apprenticeship and career placement opportunities, offering a foundation for participants to develop skills in fields where they can thrive and advance. FHI 360’s Compass Rose Collaborative, which partners with organizations in high-need communities across the country, enables VIDA to deliver these critical resources and foster resilience and long-term success.

VIDA’s work aligns with CRC’s vision by offering wraparound support services that address participants’ personal, social, and economic needs. These services include weekly counseling sessions, academic advisement, job readiness training, and connections to pre-apprenticeship programs, enabling young people to transition smoothly into career pathways.

About Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement

For over 29 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 2024, VIDA served 742 participants with an average persistence rate of 91%. Participants entered VIDA’s program earning an average hourly wage of $5.70, but graduated and secured employment with an average hourly wage of over $22.96! 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.

About Compass Rose Collaborative:
The Compass Rose Collaborative, led by FHI 360, is a federally funded initiative that provides support for justice-impacted youth by offering pathways to education, career readiness, and long-term employment in communities facing high poverty and crime rates.