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.

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!
Champion Your Health poster with older adult holding a child on a purple background

Area Agency on Aging to Host Three Community Events Celebrating Older Americans Month

By Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • April 30, 2026
Throughout May, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) will join organizations across the nation in celebrating Older Americans Month (OAM), led by the Administration for Community Living, honoring the important contributions of older adults in our communities. This year’s theme, “Champion Your Health,” encourages older adults to focus on the steps they can take to support their physical, mental, and emotional well-being, while highlighting the resources and community connections that help people age well. In recognition of Older Americans Month, AAA will host three special events at community locations across East Texas to celebrate older adults and share information about programs and services available to seniors and caregivers. Throughout the month of May, the Area Agency on Aging will also participate in additional events that promote the mental and physical health of our communities and recognize the many contributions older Americans have made, and continue to make, across the country. As the United States marks its 250th anniversary this year, Older Americans Month also offers an opportunity to reflect on the generations of older adults whose service, leadership, and life experiences have helped shape our nation, our state, and our local communities. “Older Americans Month is an important time to recognize the lasting contributions of older adults and the many ways they strengthen our communities,” said Adrian Cornejo, ETCOG’s Director of the Area Agency on Aging. “This year’s theme, Champion Your Health, reminds us of the importance of supporting healthy aging by connecting older East Texans with resources, services, and opportunities that help them live well and remain engaged.” The following OAM celebration events are free and open to the public and will feature information on services and supports available to East Texas seniors: Friday, May 15 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM First Christian Church 1920 Beaumont St. Jacksonville, Texas 75766 Wednesday, May 20 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Marshall Convention Center 2501 E. End Blvd S. Marshall, Texas 75672 Thursday, May 21 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM First Methodist Church of Athens 225 Lovers Lane Athens, Texas 75751 The AAA is the region’s leader in advocacy and services for older adults, providing support such as information and referral, benefits counseling, case management, health education classes, senior nutrition, and the Ombudsman program for people living in nursing and assisted living facilities. These services help older individuals live independent, meaningful, and dignified lives in their homes and communities for as long as possible. For questions about the events, contact the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas at (903) 218-6500.
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