Area Agency on Aging is Seeking Volunteers for the Ombudsman Program

Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • July 1, 2024
A blue and white sign that says volunteers needed

ETCOG’s Area Agency on Aging program has an immediate need for warm-hearted volunteers to help residents of nursing and assisted living facilities throughout East Texas to serve as Ombudsmen volunteers. Ombudsmen advocate for residents’ rights including, but not limited to, dependable and consistent care and an environment that promotes the residents’ dignity, self-determination, and communication.


Volunteer Ombudsmen also receive and investigate complaints made by, or on behalf of, residents or their families. Since many residents do not receive regular visitors or have close relatives, it may be difficult for them to enlist advocates. Ombudsmen serve as advocates for all residents, connecting them to their broader communities, affirming their rights, and assisting them in resolving concerns. 


“The residents we serve mostly want to be listened to. They want to feel heard,” said ETCOG’s Ombudsman program manager, Valerie Rushing. “We oversee 154 facilities in East Texas and encounter thousands of residents. Ombudsmen volunteers help give a voice to those who feel they don’t have a voice, and ensure they receive proper care.”


No prior experience is required to serve as a volunteer ombudsman, but volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and able to complete a free training course that consists of both classroom study and training at local nursing homes. After training, volunteers serve an internship, working one to three hours per week in their assigned facility. Hours are flexible and are determined by each volunteer. 


Virtual Training

September 6,13, & 20, 2024

9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.


Interested volunteers may contact the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas, at 800-442-8845 or e-mail Valerie Rushing at Valerie.Rushing@etcog.org for more information.

Marshall-Harrison County Health District to Host “Navigating Aging” Class

By Marshall - Harrison County Health Department • July 13, 2026
The Marshall-Harrison County Health District invites community members to attend the next Building Healthy Futures class, Navigating Aging, on Thursday, July 30, at 1:00 p.m. in the Gold Room at the Marshall Public Library. Presented by the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas, this free educational class is designed to introduce older adults, caregivers, and family members to valuable programs and resources that support healthy, independent living. Participants will learn about the Area Agency on Aging's evidence-based intervention programs, which are designed to promote wellness, prevent falls, manage chronic health conditions, and improve overall quality of life. Attendees will also enjoy a nutritious snack provided during the class. In addition to the presentation, the Area Agency on Aging will conduct a brief community survey to gather input on the types of aging-related classes and services residents would like to see offered in Marshall and Harrison County. Community feedback will help shape future educational opportunities to better meet local needs. "Building Healthy Futures is about connecting our community with trusted resources that support health and well-being at every stage of life," said Jennifer Hancock, Executive Director of the Marshall-Harrison County Health District. "We're excited to partner with the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas to learn more about the classes and services they offer." The class is free and open to the public. Registration is recommended by visiting mhchd.org or by contacting the Marshall-Harrison County Health District at 903-938-8338.

Older Americans Month Celebrated Across East Texas

By Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • June 3, 2026
Each May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month, and this year’s theme was “Champion Your Health.” In recognition of the month, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas hosted three community events in Jacksonville, Marshall, and Athens, bringing together older adults, caregivers, staff, volunteers, and community partners to celebrate healthy aging and support older adults’ independence. More than 420 people attended the three events, where they received information and heard from experts on senior services, exercise programs, fraud and scams, and ways to take an active role in managing their health. Activities included on-site health screenings, evidence-based activity demonstrations, a Dementia Live demonstration, and the TxDOT Car Fit Program for Seniors. At some events, local officials also read proclamations recognizing May as Older Americans Month, including Cherokee County Judge Chris Davis, who presented the proclamation in Jacksonville. “We encourage older East Texans and their caregivers to connect with our agency to learn more about the resources and services available to help them live independently and remain active in their communities,” said Adrian Cornejo, ETCOG’s Director of the Area Agency on Aging. Special thanks to all event partners, sponsors, volunteers, AAA staff, and participants who helped make these Older Americans Month events a success!
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