loader image
Sunday, October 19, 2025
95.2 F
McAllen
- Advertisement -

VIDA Secures $100k to Support Growth of Nursing & Allied Health Careers in the RGV

Translate to Spanish or other 102 languages!

Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) is proud to announce it has received a generous $100,000 grant from The Meadows Foundation to enhance its nursing and health professional programs in the Rio Grande Valley. Image courtesy of VIDA
Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) is proud to announce it has received a generous $100,000 grant from The Meadows Foundation to enhance its nursing and health professional programs in the Rio Grande Valley. Image courtesy of VIDA
- Advertisement -

MERCEDES, Texas – Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) is proud to announce it has received a generous $100,000 grant from The Meadows Foundation to enhance its nursing and health professional programs in the Rio Grande Valley. This critical funding will support the expansion of educational resources and training for underserved residents seeking high-demand careers in healthcare, particularly nursing and allied health fields.

As the healthcare sector continues to grow and evolve, there is an urgent need for highly skilled professionals in the Rio Grande Valley. With this grant, VIDA will be able to expand its reach and offer even more students the opportunity to enter essential healthcare careers. The funds will directly support scholarships, program expansion, and workforce development initiatives, equipping participants with the education and hands-on training needed to secure high-wage positions.

“We are incredibly grateful to The Meadows Foundation for their generous investment in our mission,” said Felida Villarreal, President & CEO at VIDA. “This grant will enable VIDA to further develop a pipeline of skilled nursing and healthcare professionals, meeting a critical need for both our local communities and healthcare employers.”

- Advertisement -

VIDA’s wraparound support services play a key role in ensuring the success of its participants. From comprehensive career counseling and academic advisement to financial assistance for tuition, childcare, and transportation, VIDA’s holistic approach is designed to address the unique challenges faced by low-income and underrepresented students.

With the backing of The Meadows Foundation, VIDA will continue to build upon its track record of success. In 2023 alone, VIDA served over 600 participants, with 231 graduates moving into high-skilled, high-wage professions. The additional resources from this grant will help ensure more residents can access life-changing educational opportunities, ultimately strengthening the region’s healthcare workforce.

About The Meadows Foundation

The Meadows Foundation was established in 1948 by Algur H. and Virginia Meadows to benefit and serve the people of Texas. The Foundation has disbursed more than $1.36 billion to 3,800 organizations across the state. Grants are awarded to 501(c)(3) organizations and public institutions in arts and culture, civic and public affairs, education, environment, health, and human services, and initiatives focused on postsecondary completion, educator preparation, water conservation, depression, and homelessness. For additional information, visit www.mfi.org.

- Advertisement -

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.

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

- Advertisement -

More Articles

The Human Bean’s “Coffee for a Cure” to Benefit The Renaissance Cancer Foundation, Oct. 17th

The Human Bean located at 1124 E. Nolana in McAllen is inviting coffee-lovers to "drink pink" on October 17 for their annual “Coffee for a Cure” breast cancer giveback event. All food and beverage proceeds on that day will benefit the Renaissance Cancer Foundation, marking The Human Bean’s largest fundraiser of the year.

2025 DHR Health Fashion Show & Gala Honoring Heroic Patients

The Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance was filled with emotion, gratitude, and hope on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, as DHR Health hosted its 2025 Fashion Show & Gala Honoring Heroic Patients. The annual event celebrated breast cancer survivors and highlighted the importance of breast reconstruction awareness, education, and innovation in women’s health care.

STC’s Chapa Turns Curiosity into Purpose

At just 19-years-old, STC Psychological Science student Gianna Chapa has already built a foundation for her future that reflects both determination and heart.

STHS Children’s Partners with Spirit Halloween for Pre-Halloween Party for Patients

Due to fears related to any pain they may be experiencing, the unknown environment with strange sounds and unfamiliar faces and separation from family and friends, a hospital stay can result in stress and anxiety in children.
- Advertisement -
×