Eleazar Olivarez first heard about the Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement when he was still in high school in Mission. At the time, his mom was enrolled as a nursing student. She heard about VIDA and told her son about it.
Nearly 30 years ago, Valley Interfaith joined forces with a group of Valley business leaders who recognized the critical need to serve underserved residents of the region. They also recognized that the key to reversing the cycle of poverty begins with strong support and a degree or certificate in a high-demand field. The group knew their efforts would also have a significant economic impact on the region, providing highly skilled employees to existing businesses while also attracting new companies to the Valley.
Their plan worked, and today, VIDA boasts a 96 percent persistence rate. This is possible because of the generous donations and grants from foundations, corporations, individuals, local governments and government entities; the unwavering passion of the VIDA staff and its board; and the perseverance of their participants who have placed their trust and their futures in VIDA’s hands. In addition to financial assistance for tuition, books, tools of the trade, childcare and other necessities, VIDA provides customized support for its participants, including individual and group counseling and case management.
Olivarez knew he wanted to pursue a career as a patient care technician after high school but tuition and associated costs created an unimaginable barrier for him. His family did not have the financial means to pay for college. He applied to VIDA and gained acceptance.
“VIDA is important because it helps students who want to better themselves and continue their studies by providing financial assistance,” Olivarez said. (He received help with tuition, books, and uniforms.) “Besides helping me with tuition, VIDA helped me with courses on how to manage money once I start working so I don’t mismanage it.”
Additional group sessions address topics such as stress, time management and study skills.
Olivarez completed his studies at South Texas College in 2023, earning a Patient Care Technician Certificate. This inspired him to continue his studies.
“My life has changed because I want to continue my studies to become a paramedic and serve my community,” he said.
Serving as an example for his siblings — showing them they, too, can reach their dreams — drives Olivarez. His ultimate goal includes providing a better life for his parents, who have given him so much.
Olivarez is a statistic, one that makes VIDA proud. He is part of the organization’s 96 percent persistence rate.