Texas Border Business
The Meadows Foundation has awarded Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) $75,000 to train low-income women in high-demand jobs.
Algur H. Meadows established General American Oil Company of Texas in 1939 and led it to become one of the nation’s most successful independent oil-and-gas-production companies. Algur and his wife, Virginia, knew they had been richly blessed, so they returned the blessings by establishing The Meadows Foundation in 1948. The Foundation continues to enrich the lives of countless Texans in the areas of arts and culture, civic and public affairs, education, health, and human services.
“The Meadows Foundation is one of our integral partners,” said Priscilla Dinn Alvarez, executive director of VIDA. “The Foundation Board recognizes that sustainable economic growth is only possible with a well-educated, well-trained populace, and they generously support our efforts to take unemployed and underemployed residents of the Rio Grande Valley out of poverty and into high-demand, high-paying jobs.
This Meadows Foundation grant is targeted for low-income women, allowing them to receive the education and training they need for competitive jobs in our local workforce.
“Over half of VIDA participants are women,” said Alvarez, “and most are single mothers. Thanks to The Meadows Foundation, we will be able to serve more women in the Rio Grande Valley and help them break down the barriers that have kept them from completing a certificate or degree program.”
VIDA’s unique program model includes career counselors/case managers who work closely with adult students of all ages to provide the support and resources necessary to achieve their educational and economic goals.
Financial matters, family issues, and time management are only a few of the topics addressed during weekly counseling sessions. VIDA counselors also infuse group sessions with soft-skills training, such as general employability, resume preparation and interviewing, financial management, and study skills. Wrap-around services–which include financial assistance, counseling, and support–equip VIDA participants with the knowledge, skills, and commitment necessary to enter–and to be successful in–the workforce.
To learn more about VIDA, visit vidacareers.org.
