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

Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • April 30, 2026
Older American Month poster: “Champion Your Health” with woman holding child on purple background

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.


A person wearing a light blue shirt uses a laptop while sitting on an orange circular seat.

Seeking Public Comments on 2027-2029 Area Plan

By Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • March 26, 2026
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

Area Agency on Aging Announces New Senior Meal Site in Marshall

By Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • December 16, 2025
The Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) opened a new congregate meal site in Marshall on Monday, December 15th. Older adults, aged 60 and up, eligible for the Senior Nutrition Program will be able to enjoy a hot lunch, good conversation, and a friendly place to gather. Location George Washington Carver Community Center 2302 Holland St Marshall, TX 75670 Meal Hours Monday–Thursday 11:00 AM–12:30 PM Phone 903-923-8410 The Senior Nutrition Program supports adults age 60 and older through both congregate meals and home-delivered meals. These meals follow dietary guidelines and help older adults stay connected and healthy. For folks who can’t travel, home-delivered meals bring food, a wellness check, and a bit of company to their door. How to Enroll Adults age 60 and older can join the Senior Nutrition Program by contacting the provider for their county listed at: easttexasaaa.org/nutrition , or by receiving a referral from AAA staff. Caregivers who care for someone receiving home-delivered meals may also be referred for services by calling AAA. The Carver Community Center site will give more Marshall and Harrison County residents a place to eat, visit, and keep a steady routine. If you or someone you know could benefit, contact the AAA for assistance!
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