Aguirre: VIDA is clearly recognized as a force for educational growth, job training, and economic development

In 1995, a group of Valley interfaith leaders and industry leaders from across the Rio Grande Valley came together, formed a vision and founded a nonprofit organization. 

In fiscal year 2022-2023, that organization, VIDA, served over 600 participants, all striving to become self sufficient by earning degrees, certificates and licenses in high demand fields. 

It took years to develop the relationships and partnerships that have brought us to where we are today. Those years of development included building a strong reputation of success. This year, VIDA participants reached a persistence rate of of 96%. Think of that. Ninety-six percent.

Consistent data like this has resulted in local, state and national leaders recognizing the value of our strategic program model. They know, all too well, that while budgeting visionary projects is critical, we can’t just pour money into our communities and sit back waiting for them to flourish. Funders want to see a significant return on their investment. 

VIDA accomplishes this through customized assistance based on each participant’s needs. Our model keeps the participants as the foundation, adding financial assistance, individual and group counseling, industry speakers, and other supports to build them up so they can endure any challenges that come their way. The VIDA model also incorporates community service, so our participants become actively engaged in communities throughout our region, while showing our gratitude to these communities for sustaining us.

In 2022 Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez created the Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force, designed to provide more county residents with the skills needed to lead prosperous, fulfilled lives while simultaneously growing the economic prosperity of our region with a skilled workforce that supports local industries and attracts new ones. Judge Cortez quickly identified VIDA as an essential partner for the Task Force because we’ve been fulfilling that this mission successfully for close to 30 years. 

Today, our VIDA staff and Board take our places at many tables, sitting alongside elected officials, members of city and county management, and education, industry and civic leaders on a regular basis. VIDA is clearly recognized as a force for educational growth, job training and creation and economic development. 

As many of you know, Vida means “life” in Spanish. To sustain the work we do, we must rely on our investment partners. With the proper funding, we can educate even more of our people, one life at a time.

Editor’s Note: The above guest column was penned by Tony Aguirre, Jr., chairman of Valley Initiative for Development & Advancement (VIDA). The column first appeared in VIDA’s 2023 Annual Report, titled Impacting Sustainable Economic Growth… In the Region, One VIDA at a Time. Click here to read the report.

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