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Welcome to AltaCair
“Wellness is a fundamental right for every individual in the Rio Grande Valley.”
At AltaCair, we passionately believe that wellness is a fundamental right for every individual in the Rio Grande Valley. Regardless of background, circumstance, or access, we are committed to ensuring that every community member has the opportunity to thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Through collaboration, compassion, and action, we strive to create a future where wellness is not a luxury, but a shared reality for all.
Who We Are
Our Mission Vision & Goal
Building healthier, stronger communities through collaboration, advocacy, and action — AltaCair serves as the connector between organizations and the communities that need them most.
Mission
Foster Partnerships That Heal
To foster collaborative partnerships that address the basic health care needs of the underserved — connecting organizations, people, and resources where they matter most in the Rio Grande Valley.
Vision
A Healthy Rio Grande Valley
A Rio Grande Valley where every community member — regardless of background or circumstance — has access to the resources, partnerships, and support they need to thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Goal
Fill the Gaps, Serve the Unserved
AltaCair Foundation is here to serve the basic needs of the unserved, under-served, and uninsured population — connecting organizations’ efforts to individuals in need while filling the gaps created by health disparities.
Our Approach
How We Create Impact
Four pillars drive everything we do — ensuring lasting, community-led change across the Rio Grande Valley.
01
Listening
We gather insight directly from communities and sector leaders to understand real needs and priorities.
02
Collaboration
We unite organizations across healthcare, education, business, nonprofits, and government.
03
Activation
04
Advocacy
What We Do
Services & Initiatives We Deliver
01
Gap Analysis
Conduct research-based gap analysis in underserved communities.
02
Partnership Building
Build partnerships and connect organizations to fill identified service gaps.
03
Community Fairs
Host need-specific community resource fairs every six months.
04
Action Planning
Develop ongoing action plans in collaboration with partners.
05
Impact Tracking
Collect and track data to measure impact and outcomes.
Our Mission
“AltaCair is committed to addressing the challenges faced by underserved Rio Grande Valley communities, including food security, water access, transportation, and basic health needs. ”
We believe in fostering collaborative initiatives, working alongside partners from various sectors to ensure equitable access to vital resources, driving thriving communities forward.
Our Framework
Theory of Change
A multi-sector approach ensuring solar health needs are treated as a human right — no one left behind across the Rio Grande Valley.
Tier 1 — Structural Pillars
🤝
Collaboration
Aligning organizations with shared goals, avoiding duplication, creating unified community responses.
🌉
Bridging Capital
Creating pathways between health systems and the underserved communities they exist to serve.
🏢
Nonprofits
Strengthening nonprofit capacity to sustain lasting community health impact over the long term.
🏛️
Government
Engaging partners to influence policy and systemic change at every level of governance.
Tier 2 — Engagement Levers
👂
Listening Approach
Growing community and organizing processes to ensure programs reflect the true voice of the people.
📢
Advocacy
Amplifying community voices through research, policy engagement, and strategic communications.
🎓
Education
Culturally competent training and health literacy for frontline workers and community members.
🏥
HealthCare
Connecting individuals to affordable care, insurance navigation, and preventive health services.
Tier 3 — Community Outcomes
⚖️
Equity
Fair access to resources and opportunities for every resident across the Rio Grande Valley.
🚪
Access
Removing barriers to essential services through direct connections, navigation, and trust-building.
🤲
Social Care
Addressing social determinants of health — housing, food security, safety, and mental wellness.
📈
Economic Impact
Driving opportunity and stability through health equity partnerships and long-term solutions.
Our Leadership
Board of Directors
Dedicated community leaders guiding our mission with expertise, passion, and lived experience.
Board Member
Sister Norma Pimentel
Board Chair
Dr. Edwin F. Estevez
Board Member
Marc Moran's
Board Member
Morgan LaMantia
Board Member
Secretary Maritza Gonzalez
Board Member
Veronica Gonzales
Treasurer
Todd Mann
Board Member
Dr Jennifer Mendoza Culbertson
Board Member
Byron Jay Lewis
Board Member
BethAnn Gustafson
Board Member
Dr. Sylvia Flores
Expert Guidance
Board of Advisors
Distinguished advisors lending their expertise to guide strategy, strengthen programs, and expand our community reach across the Rio Grande Valley.
Board Advisor
Barry Patel
Board Advisor
Cesar Meria
Board Advisor
Manny Vela
Board Advisor
Dr. Dimple Desai
Board Advisor
Sabrina Walker Hernandez (Late)
Board Advisor
Dr. Lydia Aguilera
Medical Director
Medical Director
Dr Linda Villarreal
Accelerator 2025 was a success!
Together, we gathered over 300 leaders, partners, and community changemakers to spark action around transportation and nutrition in the Rio Grande Valley. Explore the moments that inspired collaboration, connection, and change.
Get Involved
Ready to Make a Difference?
Whether you give, volunteer, partner, or advocate — your support helps move access forward across the Rio Grande Valley.