AAA Director Awarded National Violence Prevention Award
Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • August 30, 2021
Congratulations, Bettye Mitchell, Director of the Area Agency on Aging
The East Texas Council of Governments is pleased to announce the National Partnership to End Interpersonal Violence
(NPEIV) has selected our Director of the Area Agency on Aging, Bettye Mitchell, to receive the Paul Fink Interpersonal Violence Prevention Award.
Each year, the NPEIV seeks to honor and recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to our understanding of how multiple forms of violence are related and the importance of addressing them through developing and implementing an integrated violence prevention approach. Bettye is recognized as one of those who influence positive change in the field of interpersonal violence prevention.
This award was named to honor the work of the late Paul Fink, a longtime Clinical Psychiatry News Columnist, and Editorial Adviser, and a key leader in the field of psychiatry, working to prevent child abuse and trauma.
"Bettye has done an outstanding job leading our Aging team since her arrival here at ETCOG. She selflessly gives her time to the aging community and continues her advocacy as a voice for seniors in our area. I am glad to see NPEIV agrees with what we have known for quite some time: Bettye is one of the very best leaders in the entire nation. We are blessed to have her here in East Texas!" said ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland.
Bettye has championed the plight of vulnerable communities for over 40 years throughout her career and personal advocacy efforts. She began her career with the Texas Department of Human Services, transferring to one of the first Adult Protective Services units in the early 1980s and becoming the Regional Director of the Austin Region. Bettye also served as Deputy Commissioner for Long Term Care for the Department of Human Services.
Bettye joined ETCOG in April 2012 and has continued to find ways to improve the lives of persons growing older and with disabilities.
Throughout May, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) will join organizations nationwide in celebrating Older Americans Month (OAM). This month-long observance honors the contributions of seniors in our communities. To mark the occasion, AAA will host and collaborate with local organizations for four special celebration events across East Texas, held at senior centers and community hubs. These events will highlight the importance of connection and the role strong relationships play in maintaining a vibrant, healthy senior population. OAM is a national initiative led by the Administration for Community Living. This year’s theme, “Flip the Script on Aging,” challenges outdated perceptions and encourages a fresh perspective on aging. It promotes a shift in how society talks about, understands, and supports older adults, empowering communities to embrace aging in a more positive and inclusive way. Join Us for These Community Celebrations! The following OAM events are open to the public and will feature food, entertainment, door prizes, and valuable information about services available to East Texas seniors: 📅 May 7 – Henderson Community Building, 302 Fair Park, Henderson | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM 📅 May 15 – First United Methodist Church, 225 Lovers Ln, Athens | 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM 📅 May 16 – Jefferson Senior Center, 111 W. Broadway, Jefferson | 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM 📅 May 21 – Harrison County Agrilife Extension Office, 2005 Warren Drive, Marshall | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM The AAA advocates for seniors and provides essential services, including benefits counseling, case management, health education, nutrition programs, referrals, and Ombudsman support for those in assisted living. These services promote independence and dignity, helping seniors remain in their communities. For event inquiries, call (903) 218-6500.
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