Holy Family Volunteer Programs

The Rio Grande Valley

Known in Texas simply as "the Valley", the Rio Grande Valley is really not a valley  at
all. It's the fertile, flat lowland surrounding the Rio Grande River. Hot summers and
very mild winters provide a climate that supports year-round farming. Texas's famous
Ruby Red grapefruit hails from the Valley, as do cucumbers, onions, sugar cane, lemons,
aloe vera, cotton, and lots more. There's plenty to explore here along the US/Mexico
border. South Padre Island, the Gulf coast's finest beach, is about an hour's drive from
the birth center. Santa Ana, an exotic, semi-tropical Wildlife Preserve is only twenty
minutes away.  McAllen and Brownsville are larger cities nearby with restaurants,
theaters, malls, and markets.

Nuevo Progreso, just down the road from the birth center, is a small Mexican town with
an easily accessible tourist/shopping district. An afternoon's drive takes you to San
Antonio (4 hours), Austin (5.5 hours), or Corpus Christi (2.5 hours). Airports in
Harlingen and McAllen are convenient to the birth center (20 minute drive to either) and
provide service by major airlines. And, of course, in any direction you step from Holy
Family's door, fresh fruit stands and great taquerias abound.
Holy Family staff
cooking together
Holy Family nurses LOVE
attending births!
Holy Family staff having fun
together  in a three legged race
The Holy Family Volunteer Clinical Staff Experience   

There is definitely nothing like being a Holy Family volunteer. Your duties in a day might
include helping a new mother with breastfeeding problems, assisting at a birth, fixing lunch and
feeding the chickens.

Some days might be very busy, others muy tranquila (very calm). Not only are you a staff
member, but you are also part of the community. During the week, the entire staff has lunch
together.  Each staff member is expected to prepare lunch for everyone about twice a month.
Throughout the year, there are plenty of parties and occasions for the staff to get together and
enjoy some good food and fun. The hours are sometimes long, and the expectations are high, but
the rewards cannot be measured.
Holy Family staff having some fun
and great food in Mexico

If you would
like to help
but you are
not a nurse or
midwife
please see our
contact page.

Students of
all kinds are
welcome here
when prior
arrangements
have been
made!
 Programs for Nurse-Midwives

Newly graduated certified nurse-midwives may
gain valuable experience through our three and six
month fellowship program. Room and board is
provided, along with use of a car and monthly
stipend. Holy Family is a popular clinical site for
midwifery students and new graduates because of
its unique practice environment and the outstanding
mentorship of its senior midwives.
   Programs for Clinical Staff   
             Volunteers

We are accepting volunteers for 3 months to 1+
year time period. Room and board are provided for
volunteer staff, with a negotiable stipend, health
insurance,  and shared use of a car for those who
commit to at  least one year of service.

We currently have multiple volunteer positions
available- to share call for births and to work in
during clinic hours. We are open to Registered
Nurses,  Licensed Vocational Nurses and Medical
Assistants with a strong interest in OB and
Women's Health. Conversational Spanish would be
helpful, but a willingness to learn is a requirement!  
Holy Family midwives making a
birthday cake together!
Annual Birthday party for ALL patients and staff
of Holy Family. "Snowwhite", a Holy Family
midwife, is acting as DJ and  leading a dance.
Where Birth is a Blessed Event
For more information, please contact:
Nancy Sandrock, CNM
Holy Family Birth Center
5819 North FM 88
Weslaco, Texas 78596
Tel: 956.969.2538
Fax: 956.969.5884
Holy Family staff at one of
their parties
A midwife is examining an expectant patient
Two Holy Family nurses doing
some shopping in Mexico
Holy Family guest quarters,
screened patio and staff house