When friends told Weslaco resident Melba Gutierrez about the Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement, she listened intently. At the time, financial struggles made it difficult for her to attend nursing school full time because she had to work to help with basic necessities for herself, her partner and their two daughters — a pre-teen and a teen.
Gutierrez, in her early 40s and a first-generation college student, applied to VIDA and was accepted.
VIDA is a nonprofit organization that has helped residents across the Rio Grande Valley jump over the hurdles they have faced in their pursuit of higher education. For nearly 30 years, VIDA has provided financial assistance, in addition to individual and group counseling to address hurdles such as stress, finances and time management. VIDA also teaches study skills, how to create a resume and interview skills. Additionally, VIDA invites guest speakers to support and educate participants on a variety of topics and offers opportunities for these students to participate in community-service projects as a way of showing gratitude to the region for its ongoing commitment to reversing poverty, underemployment and unemployment.
When Gutierrez applied to VIDA, she had a job with a health-benefits company, earning $16.50 per hour. While she knew she wanted to work in health care, her vision involved directly helping — and advocating for — patients.
VIDA helped Gutierrez cover the cost of tuition, books and uniforms she needed for the Vocational Nursing Program at South Texas College. VIDA’s assistance went far beyond this financial assistance.
“The moral support from VIDA, since day one, has given me the opportunity to engage with the community, as well as giving me networking opportunities,” Gutierrez said. “They have fostered an environment where encouragement has been given to pursue my academic and career aspirations.”
She took advantage of everything VIDA offers, attending individual and group counseling sessions and workshops, and volunteering for community-service projects.
Gutierrez graduated in December 2023 with a certificate in vocational nursing. According to the STC website, the average wage for a licensed vocational nurse is $25.41 per hour. She took the National Council Licensure Examination and passed, earning her licensed. In May, she plans to begin the Associate Degree Nursing Program at STC.
“I have made a lot of sacrifices while in nursing school,” Gutierrez said, “and it hasn’t been easy on me or my family.”
But she soared over those hurdles, with VIDA’s help.
“As for the financial support, it has significantly alleviated the financial burden associated with my education, making it more accessible to me during economic challenges. I did not work while attending nursing school full-time. I was able to focus on my studies 100 percent.”