Coalition for Valley Families

Mission Statement
The mission of the Coalition for Valley Families is to assist non profit agencies and organizations in the development of a shared vision; building of capacity to develop, maintain, strengthen and expand programs and services; and the establishment and sustainability of an integrated, family-centered service delivery system accessible to all communities throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

History
In June of 2008, Coalition for Valley Families (CVF) partnered with Texas Valley Communities Foundation and is headquartered at the Foundation. Coalition is proceeding with plans to become a 501(c)(3). Since 1995, funding for the Coalition was provided in part by Texas Department of Protective & Regulatory Services (Texas Families: Together and Safe) and Marguerite Casey Foundation.

Community Engagement
Coalition for Valley Families brings people together to:

• Improve and enhance access to family support services
• Increase the efficiency and effectiveness of family services
• Increase collaboration among local programs, government agencies and families
• Identify the needs of high-risk, hard to reach families
• Build the capacity of CVF membership and other providers to meet those needs
• Promote awareness about issues that impact all families and communities
• Encourage involvement in family programs and activities
• Provide staff development and volunteer training to mentor, nurture, teach and help strengthen families
• Maintain a resource identification system that is readily accessible to families and service providers alike

• The CVF Governing Board assumes leadership responsibilities. The Governing Board consists of eleven representatives from the four county area (five from Hidalgo, four from Cameron, one from Starr and one from Willacy) elected by CVF membership to serve two year terms.
• The CVF Task Forces are working groups that address specific issues. They include: Youth, Family, Literacy, Financial Literacy, Health and Aging
• Coalition for Valley Families (CVF) has representatives from 130+ grassroots organizations, state and federal agencies, small and large non profits, educational and faith based institutions. 600+ individuals make up the CVF. The general membership of the Coalition meets bimonthly to identify, mobilize and coordinate delivery of services to target high-risk, hard to serve children and families.
• CVF organizes conferences, workshops and seminars that provide local capacity building opportunities for service providers on topics including: Advocacy, Strategic Planning, Non Profit Board Development, Program and Project Management, Working with the Media, Youth Empowerment, Volunteer Programs, Literacy and other issue specific topics.
• CVF is also the regional point of contact to organize and facilitate community service-related projects including: Youth Leadership Conference, Advocacy Workshops, Back to School Family Fairs, Health Fairs, Adult Basic Education and Family Literacy, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Sites and Children’s Health Insurance Fairs.