Join us on November 7th for “Who Cares? We do!” a free conference on caregiver needs, services and resources
East Texas AAA • October 24, 2019
In recognition of National Family Caregivers Month, ETCOG’s Area Agency on Aging of East Texas has joined with the St. Louis Baptist Church of Tyler’s Comfort and Care Ministry to bring a free conference for caregivers, “Who cares? We do!”. The conference is designed to offer caregivers – families and individuals in East Texas caring for loved ones with chronic, disabling health conditions – with information and resources needed to carry out their role as caregiver. The conference will include presentations from local experts on Opioid Misuse Prevention, Medicare Enrollment, Services in the Aging Network, and featured presentations, “What Makes the Impossible, Possible,”
from care recipient, Wendell Jeffery, and “Lessons Learned from Ms. Jessie & Me,”
from motivational speaker, Lawandra Smith.
“As loved ones age, debilitating disease, chronic health conditions or simple frailty can arise in a family, and one may end up a caregiver, sometimes unexpectedly,” said ETCOG’s Area Agency on Aging Director, Bettye Mitchell. “While some employ paid providers, most rely on assistance from families, friends and neighbors, who soon become “on call" 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We see the role stress plays in the lives of family caregivers who are trying to do too much with too few resources. This conference is here to support and guide individuals in their caregiving role.”
“Who cares? We do!”
Caregivers Conference will be held on Thursday, November 7th, at the St. Louis Baptist Church located at 4000 Frankston Hwy., from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Lunch will be provided.
“Caregivers are a gift of honor,” says Rev. Ralph E. Caraway, Sr., senior pastor of the St. Louis Baptist Church. “St. Louis’ Comfort and Care Ministry and I are dedicated to honoring those who give so much of themselves.”
Pre-registration is needed by Tuesday, November 6th to participate. For reservations, please call (903) 595-5212 or email Juanita.Padron@etcog.org.
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.
The East Texas Area Agency on Aging (ETAAA), a program of the East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG), is inviting the public to review and comment on our 2027 to 2029 Area Plan. ETAAA serves as the Area Agency on Aging for Planning and Service Area 4, a fourteen-county region in East Texas. The Area Plan outlines our strategy to strengthen the Aging Services Network and address the needs of people age 60 and older, family caregivers, and individuals with disabilities. It also guides how we plan, coordinate, and oversee services supported by the Older Americans Act and other state and local initiatives. Our mission is to serve as the region’s leader in advocating for and delivering services that enable older adults to live independently, with dignity and purpose, in their homes and communities. Our vision, “Age Well, Live Well, ” reflects a person-centered approach focused on better choices, improved health, and access to nutritious food. We call it “Serving One Senior at a Time.” The 2027–2029 Area Plan is guided by a needs assessment incorporating data, service trends, and stakeholder input. Key priority needs include access to home- and community-based services, caregiver support, transportation, nutrition and food security, social isolation, healthcare access and chronic disease management, and improved service coordination and system navigation. How to share your input Public comments will be accepted through April 26, 2026 . Submit comments by mail or email: Mail: Area Agency on Aging, 3800 Stone Road, Kilgore, TX 75662 Email: Colleen.Halliburton@etcog.org
