Mercedes, Texas (October 9, 2024)— Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) is pleased to announce the receipt of a $7,500 general operations donation from the Land O’Lakes Community Impact Council. This one-time grant will support VIDA’s continued efforts in workforce development and education across the Rio Grande Valley. The Land O’Lakes Community Impact Council, an employee-led grantmaking group, donated to VIDA to assist with the day-to-day operations that provide essential wraparound services to the local community. The funding will empower VIDA’s mission to equip underemployed and unemployed residents with the tools and resources necessary to pursue high-demand, high-wage careers in healthcare, STEM, business and skilled trades.

“We are excited to donate to VIDA to support their mission,” said a representative of Land O’Lakes Community Impact Council. VIDA’s President & CEO, Felida Villarreal, expressed gratitude for the grant, stating, “This support from the Land O’Lakes Community Impact Council will be instrumental in expanding wraparound support services to college students pursuing degrees or credentials in high-demand occupations. It enables us to continue providing critical resources and services that directly impact the lives of individuals in our community. We thank Land O’Lakes for investing our program.”

VIDA’s holistic approach to workforce development includes wraparound services such as academic advising, career counseling, financial assistance, and job placement support. VIDA extends its heartfelt thanks to Land O’Lakes Community Impact Council for their generosity and belief in the organization’s mission.

About Land O’Lakes Community Impact Council: The Land O’Lakes Community Impact Council is an employee-led grantmaking group focused on supporting organizations that align with Land O’Lakes’ mission of strengthening communities and creating positive, sustainable impacts.

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 2023, VIDA served 627 participants with an average persistence rate of 96%. 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.