Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
On Friday, October 25, 2024, the Valley Nature Center in Weslaco, TX, was filled with excitement as the Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) celebrated a landmark achievement. Felida Villarreal, CPA VIDA’s President and CEO, proudly announced a $620,000 Growth Opportunities Grant from FHI 360. The grant promises to be a transformative resource for justice-impacted youth in the Rio Grande Valley, giving them access to education and meaningful career pathways.
“We are immensely grateful to FHI 360 for this transformative funding to amplify our ability to empower justice-impacted youth in the Rio Grande Valley, opening new doors to education and career advancement,” Villarreal shared. This initiative is a significant leap forward in VIDA’s mission to uplift young individuals needing a second chance, helping them transition into stable, productive careers through hands-on experience and tailored support.
The event featured an inspiring keynote address by Judge Betancourt, who emphasized the influence of second chances and the necessity of community involvement in supporting justice-impacted youth. Judge Cordova was also in attendance to support VIDA’s ongoing initiatives. “Thanks to Judge Cordova for joining us and offering invaluable support to our mission,” said Villarreal, acknowledging the role of community leaders in VIDA’s achievements.
The newly awarded Growth Opportunities Grant, facilitated by VIDA’s partnership with the Compass Rose Collaborative, will provide justice-involved youth and young adults with paid work experiences that prepare them for long-term, sustainable employment. The event drew a diverse crowd, including representatives from educational institutions, local businesses, community organizations, and government agencies—all key to VIDA’s success. Villarreal expressed her gratitude to these dedicated partners: “Together, we’re not just changing lives; we’re reshaping the future of our community.”
Attendees at the celebration were introduced to VIDA’s latest initiative and its anticipated impact on the Rio Grande Valley. The gathering also provided a platform for networking, enabling community leaders and professionals to connect with VIDA’s mission and explore collaborative opportunities to enhance the lives of residents further.
About VIDA
For over 29 years, VIDA has been a beacon of opportunity in the Rio Grande Valley, helping economically disadvantaged individuals secure the skills needed for high-demand careers. Since its inception, VIDA has enabled more than 6,000 residents to complete career training programs and achieve self-sufficiency. In 2023 alone, VIDA served 627 participants, with an impressive persistence rate of 96%. VIDA participants saw a significant wage increase after completing the program, rising from an average hourly wage of $5.70 to over $22.96, a testament to VIDA’s focus on aligning workforce training with local industry needs.
To learn more about VIDA’s programs or become involved, visit www.vidacareers.org or call (956) 903-1900.
