Older Americans Month Celebrated Across East Texas

More than 420 people attended the three events, where they received information and heard from experts on senior services, exercise programs, fraud and scams, and ways to take an active role in managing their health. Activities included on-site health screenings, evidence-based activity demonstrations, a Dementia Live demonstration, and the TxDOT Car Fit Program for Seniors. At some events, local officials also read proclamations recognizing May as Older Americans Month, including Cherokee County Judge Chris Davis, who presented the proclamation in Jacksonville.

“We encourage older East Texans and their caregivers to connect with our agency to learn more about the resources and services available to help them live independently and remain active in their communities,” said Adrian Cornejo, ETCOG’s Director of the Area Agency on Aging.

Special thanks to all event partners, sponsors, volunteers, AAA staff, and participants who helped make these Older Americans Month events a success!

Windows of Opportunity Regionwide Job Fair Returns June 18

The event follows a strong turnout at the previous Regionwide Job Fair held in May, which brought together 240 job seekers and 52 employers across five Workforce Solutions East Texas offices. That event created meaningful connections throughout the region, including 88 job seekers in Tyler, 82 in Longview, 29 in Palestine, 23 in Athens, and 17 in Marshall.

For Job Seekers

Whether you are exploring new career options or ready to take the next step, the Windows of Opportunity Job Fair is your chance to meet local employers face to face, discover new career paths, and learn about programs available to help you reach your goals. No registration is required for job seekers.

For Employers

Looking to grow your team? This is your opportunity to showcase your company and connect with a diverse pool of qualified local talent. Space is limited, so employers must register in advance at bit.ly/windowsemployer.

Event Details

The fair will be held simultaneously across five regional offices. Athens, Longview, and Tyler will host from 9 AM to 12 PM, while Marshall and Palestine will run from 1 PM to 4 PM. Events are staggered to allow both employers and job seekers to attend multiple locations.

For office addresses, visit www.easttexasworkforce.org/locations or call 1-844-ETWORKS.

Area Agency on Aging Adopts
2027–2029 Area Plan

The plan guides the AAA’s work supporting adults 60 and older and their family caregivers across a nearly 10,000-square-mile region that is largely rural, with ongoing challenges around transportation, healthcare access, and broadband connectivity.

Key priorities include expanding home- and community-based services, strengthening caregiver support, growing nutrition programs, and addressing social isolation and chronic disease management. The plan also covers legal assistance, benefits counseling, fall prevention, and Long-Term Care Ombudsman services.

With the region’s 60-and-older population projected to grow significantly through 2060, the plan emphasizes sustainable infrastructure, workforce development, and expanded use of technology to reach underserved communities.

The plan was developed through a public comment period and approved by the AAA Aging Advisory Committee and ETCOG Executive Committee at its May meeting.

USDA is Now Accepting Applications for Rural Businesses and Community Development Projects

Eligible applicants can include rural cooperatives, state government agencies, towns, and communities, nonprofit corporations and institutions of higher learning, and federally recognized Tribes. Individuals and for-profit businesses or organizations are not eligible to apply.

Applications will compete in two separate categories:

• Business opportunity grants: May be used for business support centers, technology-based economic development, leadership and entrepreneur training, feasibility studies, business plans, long-term strategic planning, and other eligible activities.

• Business enterprise grants: May be used for training and technical assistance, project planning, business counseling, market research, feasibility studies, and product or service improvements, buying or developing land, easements, or rights of way, including access streets and parking areas, constructing or renovating buildings, and buying machinery and equipment, capitalizing revolving loan funds, and supporting rural business incubators and community economic development and other eligible activities.

Save the Date!

Time: 10:30 AM

Location: 1421 S Beckham Ave, Tyler, TX 75701

Events & Opportunities

In observance of Juneteenth, ETCOG, GoBus, and the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas will be closed as we pause to honor this important day in American history.

Regular office hours will resume following the holiday on Monday, June 22nd.

Workforce Solutions East Texas offices will remain open.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has launched the Patriot Pitch Competition, a national Freedom 250 initiative celebrating small businesses and American free enterprise. Eligible small businesses that have used qualifying SBA capital products can apply by June 10, 2026, for a chance to compete for a share of the $1 million prize pool funded by Clover. Finalists will pitch live in Washington, D.C., this September.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is accepting applications for the New Technology Implementation Grant Program, which offers $16.5 million statewide for projects that reduce emissions from stationary sources in Texas. Eligible applicants may receive reimbursement for up to 50% of project costs, with at least $1 million reserved for renewable energy electricity storage projects.

Funding is available for electricity storage, stationary source, and oil and gas emissions reduction projects. Applications are due on September 25, 2026.

ETCOG is hiring for GoBus Operators and a Child Development Specialist. The Child Development Specialist will mentor and support Texas Rising Star child care programs across East Texas, help teachers and directors grow, lead workshops, and make a meaningful impact on young children’s futures. Competitive benefits are offered, with travel throughout ETCOG’s 14-county region.

Learn more and apply at www.etcog.org/employment.

East Texas Council of Governments

(903) 218-6400

www.etcog.org