Transforming Colonias: The Mission of the AltaCair Foundation
Addressing the Needs of Underserved Communities
In the heart of McAllen, Texas, the recently established AltaCair Foundation has set its sights on a transformative mission: enhancing the living conditions of colonia residents. With a commitment to serving those who are often overlooked, the foundation aims to bridge the existing gaps in healthcare, access to resources, and essential services for the underserved and uninsured populations in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV).
Vision and Purpose of the AltaCair Foundation
Dr. Edwin Estevez, a board member of the AltaCair Foundation, articulates the core vision: “The AltaCair Foundation is designed to serve those who are underserved or unserved.” This mission underscores the foundation’s goal of facilitating collaboration among various organizations and community stakeholders to advocate for individuals who may not have a voice in critical matters affecting their lives.
Estevez emphasizes that the foundation seeks to connect human, social, and financial capital in meaningful ways. By focusing on collaboration, the AltaCair Foundation aims to fill the gaps created by health disparities that persist in the region.
Addressing Healthcare Inequities
The AltaCair Foundation’s vision includes "meeting the healthcare needs of all members of the RGV" and "elevating RGV to a community with ease of access to public health." This strategic approach primarily focuses on the basic needs of populations that are often left behind, such as those in colonias who face challenges like food insecurity, water shortages, and limited access to healthcare services.
Collaborative Community Meetings
To better understand the complexities faced by the community, the AltaCair Foundation hosts cluster meetings, which are instrumental in gathering data and insights from community members and business leaders. These listening sessions are vital for identifying gaps in services and prioritizing the foundation’s initiatives. Dr. Estevez notes, “These meetings create opportunities to set the tone for our future work and determine what needs to come first in our efforts.”
These gatherings demonstrate the foundation’s commitment to incorporating community feedback into its strategic planning.
Focus on Colonias: A Starting Point
A significant portion of the RGV population—approximately 30%—resides in colonias. The AltaCair Foundation recognizes the urgent need to address the distinct challenges faced by these communities. Estevez remarks that the foundation’s focus on colonias is not only driven by the vision of its leadership but also by the acknowledgment of the historical neglect of these areas.
The Broader Mission
The overarching mission of the AltaCair Foundation is to facilitate collaboration in meeting the basic healthcare needs of the underserved population. By connecting various organizations with the individuals who most urgently require assistance, the foundation seeks to create a more equitable landscape in healthcare access.
Insights from Board Members
In addition to Dr. Estevez, other board members, including Texas A&M University’s Manuel ‘Manny’ Vela, share a commitment to the foundation’s purpose. They believe in the potential of the AltaCair Foundation to effect meaningful change within the community.
Conclusion
Through its focused efforts, the AltaCair Foundation aims to bring essential services and resources to the forefront for the RGV’s colonia residents. By addressing healthcare disparities and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, the foundation embodies a hopeful vision for a healthier, more equitable future for the community.
For more information about initiatives within the region and ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access, consider exploring resources such as the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service and related health organizations.
