Area Agency on Aging of East Texas to Reopen Senior Meal Sites to the Public
Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • July 12, 2021
The Area Agency on Aging of East Texas
(AAA) is pleased to announce the reopening of senior centers serving congregate meals
in Camp, Marion, Harrison, Rains, and Wood counties starting on July 12. The meal sites closed to the public in March of 2020 to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. However, the AAA continued serving clients in the senior nutrition program by offering meals through delivery or pickup.
The AAA expends about $2.4 million for the senior nutrition program annually in East Texas, serving approximately 4,000 seniors. We contract with the Meals on Wheels Ministry of Tyler to serve six counties, the Meals on Wheels of Palestine for three counties, and the AAA serves as a direct provider for six counties. The program provides nutritious meals to older individuals (60 and over) through congregate meal sites and home-delivered meals.
AAA meal sites reopening on July 12:
Marshall Senior Center Open Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
106 E. Crockett Street
Marshall, TX 75670
Marshall #2 Senior Center Open Monday – Friday, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Oak Leaf Apartments - 113 Oakley Dr.
Marshall, TX 75670
Jefferson Senior Center
Open Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
111 W. Broadway
Jefferson, TX 75657
UT Health Pittsburg
Open Monday – Friday, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
2701 U.S. Highway 271 N.
Pittsburg, TX 75686
Emory Senior Center
Open Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
179 Doris Briggs Pkwy.
Emory, TX 75440
Waskom Senior Center
Open Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
165 Texas Ave.
Waskom, TX 75692
*Reopened June 14*
Yantis Senior Center
Open Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
100 City Circle
Yantis, TX 75497
"Our hearts go out to our participants who have faced illness, death, and the loss of loved ones during the pandemic. We are grateful to the staff at the senior nutrition sites, which continued to serve our seniors," said ETCOG's Director of Aging, Bettye Mitchell. "This program is vital to help reduce social isolation of those who are homebound or in rural areas. Many of our clients use the congregate meal sites to engage with other seniors through games, conversations, and activities, so we are excited to reopen and bring seniors together to reconnect."
Find out if you are eligible for the senior nutrition program by calling 1-800-442-8845. The AAA offers sponsored public transportation to the senior centers through a partnership with GoBus.
The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Adrian Cornejo as the new Director of the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA). In this role, Cornejo will lead efforts to develop and coordinate services that support the health, independence, and quality of life of older adults across ETCOG’s fourteen-county region. Cornejo brings a strong background in healthcare leadership and military service. He most recently worked as an Account Manager for Humana’s Institutional Special Needs Plan program, where he partnered with skilled nursing facilities to improve care coordination, leading to a 20% reduction in hospital readmissions. Earlier in his career, Cornejo served in the United States Navy for nearly two decades, rising to the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer and managing budgets exceeding $550 million while leading more than 350 Sailors and Marines. “Adrian’s leadership experience in both healthcare and the military has equipped him with the skills and dedication needed to serve East Texas seniors,” said ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland. “His background in building partnerships and his deep commitment to public service make him a tremendous asset to our team.” Cornejo shared his enthusiasm for his new role, saying, “It is an honor to join ETCOG and to serve the seniors of East Texas. My goal is to build on the strong foundation already in place at the Area Agency on Aging and continue to expand access to services that help older adults and their families live with dignity and independence.” The AAA is administered through ETCOG and is part of a nationwide network created through the Older Americans Act of 1965. It provides a wide range of services, including information and referral, benefits counseling, case management, health education, senior nutrition programs, housing repair, caregiver support, and Ombudsman advocacy for individuals in long-term care facilities. These programs are designed to help older residents remain active and independent in their homes and communities for as long as possible.
Medicare Open Enrollment is right around the corner, and with so many plans and choices, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our certified benefits counselors are here to help—whether you prefer to sit down one-on-one or schedule an educational session for your group or organization. They provide clear, unbiased information about Medicare so you can make informed decisions that fit your needs. These services are free and available to individuals, families, churches, senior centers, civic clubs, and other local groups. If you or someone you know has questions about Medicare coverage, upcoming changes, or available plans, now is the time to reach out. To schedule an appointment or request a group presentation, contact us at 1-800-442-8845 or www.easttexasaaa.org/request-speaker .
