While in the Vocational Nursing Program at Texas State Technical College in Harlingen, Yvette Garcia attended an informational session conducted by the Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement. Little did she know that day how much this session would impact her life.
Founded nearly 30 years ago through a collaboration between Valley Interfaith and business leaders from across the Rio Grande Valley, VIDA has remained true to its original mission. The nonprofit provides financial assistance, individual and group counseling, and guest speakers to unemployed and underemployed individuals who aspire to gain the certifications and skills they need to enter high-demand fields providing high-paying jobs.
VIDA also provides its participants with opportunities to perform community service as a way of thanking the communities and foundations that make VIDA’s work possible.
While studying to become a licensed vocational nurse, Garcia worked in retail earning $11.50 an hour. For this married mother of two from Los Fresnos, paying for classes, books and required equipment proved to be challenging.
“I was fortunate enough to receive financial aid through most of the LVN Program the year before but was no longer eligible,” she said. “I knew I wanted to further my education in nursing, but I was not sure how I would be able to, financially.”
Garcia applied to VIDA and gained acceptance, allowing her to fulfill her plan of continuing her education in the TSTC LVN to RN Transition Nursing Program. The financial assistance she has received from VIDA has allowed her to give up her retail job and devote her time and attention to her studies.
A Brighter Future Made Possible
Garcia will graduate in December with an associate degree. This qualifies her to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. Upon passing this national certification exam, Garcia will hold the coveted title of registered nurse.
“VIDA has helped me since I began my nursing journey to become an RN at the beginning of this year,” she said. “They have not only helped me financially each semester, by paying a portion of my tuition or necessary supplies, but they have also provided me with a counselor who is always ready and willing to help in any way she can.”
As she looks ahead to 2025, Garcia envisions herself working as an RN, fulfilling her passion. This won’t be the end of the road on her education journey, though. She plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing next. Gratitude overwhelms Garcia as she reflects on how far she has come.
“I am grateful for organizations like VIDA and people like Felicia Adams, my VIDA counselor, for assisting people like me in overcoming financial obstacles and the misconception of it being too late to go back to school,” Garcia shared. “I recommend VIDA to anyone who is thinking about going back to school but has doubts because of their economic situation.”