A TRIBUTE TO THE FACE OF NIÑOS, MANUELA RENDON

Manuela Rendon , 76, died Monday, December 26, 2022, San Benito, Texas.

"I will always remember Ms. (Manuela) Rendon as a kind, happy, and giving individual. She was a great boss and I have nothing but wonderful memories of her. She always made me feel I was part of her family just like she did to everyone that worked at Head Start. I love all my former Head Start family. My most sincerest condolences go out to her family and friends. RIP beautiful angel, fly high you are free."
Mary Alice Rendon Soto

Hon. Filemon Vela

U.S. House of Representatives

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Manuela Rendon, a dedicated leader in South Texas who has given 50 years of service to Head Start programs and has made a lasting impact on thousands of families in our community.

Ms. Rendon's advocacy journey began in 1971 during her time as a teacher at Bonita Park Head Start program in Harlingen, Texas. During her first year as an educator, she developed a passion for Head Start and committed herself to helping underserved families. Ms. Rendon was quickly promoted to center manager, where her vision was to enhance early childhood development, empower parents and families, and advocate for the less fortunate. 

After six years at Bonita Park Head Start, Ms. Rendon was invited to lead the Head start initiative for Cameron and  Willacy Counties Community Projects (CWCCP). THere, she continued her work on behalf of South Texas youth and families and collaborated with the Policy Council, Board of Directors, and other staff members to carry out the Head Start mission. 

With the belief that there is strength in numbers, Ms. Rendon made the pivotal decision to work with community leaders to create a network of support for children and families.

As CWCCP's Head Start Director, Ms. Rendon became dissatisfied by the lack of resources available Head Start parents. Ms. Rendon faced this challenge with purpose and determination; and worked to reform the program and champion a new initiative. In 1989, with the support of Head Start parents and other community leaders, Ms. Rendon established the non-profit organization Neighbors In Need Of Services (NINOS). The purpose of NINOS was to advocate for the Head Start program in Cameron and Willacy counties, and it quickly succeeded.

NINOS was awarded a Head Start grant in 1990 and has continued to successfully secure funding for programming to support local families. The program which initially served a few hundred children now serves over 2,400 Head Start amd Earl;y Head Start families; and provides a wide range of services including health and nutritional assessments, medical and dental follow-ups, individualized "school readiness" nutritional meals and snacks, and pre- and post-natal education for pregnant women.

Ms. Rendon is the driving force behind the success of NINOS – she has created a quality program that is nationally recognized by the Head Start community by focusing not only on early childhood education, but also on parent involvement. She has even provided parents with opportunities to travel to advocate for Head Start in Texas and across the country.

Ms. Rendon's commitment to Texas families began with Head Start in Harlingen, but her influence goes far beyond that. She has served on and chaired many boards and committees including the Region VI Head Start Association, Texas Head Start Association Board of Directors, Texas Department of Human Services Licensing Advisory Committee and Texas Southmost College Early Childhood Advisory Council.

I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Manuela Rendon, who after 50 years of service continued to be a voice for those in need, and whose dedication to bettering the lives of children strengthens the health and prosperity of South Texas families.