The IAF in Texas has created some of the most powerful community organizations in the country. Valley Interfaith is no exception to this rule. The current power of the organization is a direct testimony to the almost twenty years of diligent and painstakingly slow work of building relationships and cultivating leadership.

As of May, 2001, the organization had accomplished the following:

Colonias: Through their collaboration with other IAF organizations in Texas, Valley Interfaith has leveraged over 450 million state and federal dollars to bring water and sewer services to over 160,000 Valley residents.

Living Wage Ordinances: Twelve public entities in the Valley have now passed living wage ordinances directly raising the salaries of over 8,500 workers.

Project VIDA: Valley Interfaith has created a labor market intermediary which has already trained and placed 1500 workers in living wage jobs.

Alliance Schools: Nine school districts have become part of the Texas Alliance Schools, bringing together teachers, parents, and community members together in an innovative approach to school reform.

Above all, through the work of Valley Interfaith, thousands of individuals have come to believe in themselves, in their communities, and in their potential to bring about change. These individuals, once isolated and frustrated, are now an organized voice with the ability to hold their public representatives accountable and demand justice for their families.

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