88S20267 TBO-D
 
  By: LaMantia S.R. No. 38
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, The Valley Initiative for Development and
  Advancement (VIDA) was recently awarded a $3 million Nursing
  Expansion Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor; and
         WHEREAS, Founded by local faith and business leaders in 1995,
  VIDA works to establish partnerships with other groups in the Rio
  Grande Valley to help residents secure jobs while addressing the
  need for a skilled workforce; this year, the nonprofit is one of
  just 25 organizations nationwide and the only one in Texas selected
  to receive the Nursing Expansion Grant; the funds will be used to
  expand training opportunities in nursing and allied health
  occupations; and
         WHEREAS, VIDA places its participants in one-year
  certificate programs and two-year associate's degree programs in
  such subjects as allied health, manufacturing, technology,
  business, and education and social services; in addition, students
  may train for careers as police officers, paralegals, web
  developers, dental hygienists, and vocational nurses, among many
  other fields; and
         WHEREAS, While completing their studies and pursuing
  careers, VIDA's participants have access to a wide range of support
  services, career guidance initiatives, and financial assistance
  programs; the organization also hosts monthly case management
  sessions to help students overcome challenges, and it provides
  soft-skills training during group sessions; and
         WHEREAS, For nearly three decades, VIDA has empowered
  countless area Texans to improve their lives and build a brighter
  future for themselves and their families, and the funding provided
  by the U.S. Department of Labor will help the organization to
  further this important goal; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 88th Texas Legislature, 2nd
  Called Session, hereby congratulate the Valley Initiative for
  Development and Advancement on receiving a $3 million Nursing
  Expansion Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor and extend to all
  those affiliated with the organization sincere best wishes for
  continued success; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
  prepared for VIDA as an expression of high regard by the Texas
  Senate.