Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas — On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, the Hidalgo County Community Service Agency (HCCSA) will proudly host its annual ACTS Gala, newly titled “Strive. Rise. Thrive.” This inspiring event honors the extraordinary achievements of individuals who, through HCCSA’s Access to Success (ACTS) and Real’Em In programs, have transformed their lives and taken meaningful steps toward breaking the cycle of poverty.
The Access to Success (ACTS) program empowers clients to pursue higher education opportunities — from professional certifications to bachelor’s degrees — helping them secure stable and fulfilling careers. Similarly, the Real’Em In program provides participants with the tools and support to return and complete their high school education, opening doors to continued learning, better employment prospects, and long-term self-sufficiency.
This year’s gala will also highlight the ongoing partnership between HCCSA and the Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force, as the two entities work collaboratively to strengthen families, promote economic mobility, and uplift the entire county.
In addition to recognizing program graduates, the event will feature two prestigious awards:
• The Prosperity Task Force Warrior Award
This annual award will be presented to this year’s champion whose commitment, advocacy, and fundraising efforts have gone above and beyond in support of HCCSA’s mission.
• The Sargent Shriver Award
Newly introduced this year, the Sargent Shriver Award stands as one of HCCSA’s highest honors. The founding architect on the original War on Poverty, this award recognizes individuals whose work reflects his legacy of service, justice, and transformative community action. Recipients of this award are exceptional leaders who work directly with low-income families and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to uplifting those most in need.
“We are so proud of all the participants and we want to take a moment to honor them,” said Jaime R. Longoria, Executive Director of the Hidalgo County Community Service Agency. “This is their night and their achievements, our agency just helped facilitate it.”
EVENT DETAILS:
The Event will take place at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance, located at 118 Paseo Del Prado, Edinburg, TX 78539, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
