Area Agency on Aging to host 32nd Annual REACH Conference to Educate Individuals Who Work with Seniors

Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • September 18, 2023

October 4-5 in Longview, TX

More than two hundred area nursing facility administrators, practitioners, caregivers, and others who work with seniors will receive training at the 32nd annual REACH Conference (Regional Education on Aging, Caregiving, and Healthcare) next week. The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) hosts the annual conference to provide educational workshops, plenary sessions, and networking opportunities. This year's conference will be held at Maude Cobb in Longview on October 4-5 and is ideal for professionals or caregivers serving older adults and persons with disabilities.

 

“We are thrilled to present our 32nd annual REACH Conference, ‘Taking Care While Giving Care.’  This conference is for the professional and personal caregivers who are giving so much of themselves to care for our elders. We know that caregiving is a challenging but rewarding role, and we want to provide them with the resources and support they need to thrive," said AAA Director Colleen Halliburton.

 

The 32nd REACH Conference offers a wide range of topics related to aging, including:

  • The physical and emotional challenges of aging
  • How to take care of yourself while you are caring for an older adult
  • Legal and financial issues related to aging
  • Resources and support for professional and personal caregivers
  • Research on aging


Keynote speaker presentations include:

  • Unforgettable: The Power of Partnership in the Pursuit of Justice and Equity in Dementia Research, Care, and Support - Carl Hill, Ph.D., Alzheimer’s Association; and Garrett Davis, Award Winning Playwright
  • Did COVID Give Me PTSD? – Tam Cummings, Ph.D., Dementia Expert;
  • Equity and Inclusion: Closing the Health Disparities Gap in Communities of Color – Garrett Davis, Award Winning Playwright
  • You Got the Right Stuff – Dr. Timothy McNeil, Sr., Founding Pastor of the Community Fellowship Church
  • Seeing the other side of Dementia and Living with Lewy Body Dementia – Luanne Harms, Dementia Expert
  • Generational Caregiving – The McAnally Family


This conference provides an opportunity to obtain Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) for ethics, social work, License Professional Counselors, Activity Directors, and Long Term Care Administrators. REACH is partially funded by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. To register for the event or for more information, call the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas at (903) 218-6500 or visit our conference website at www.aaa-reachconference.org.


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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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