Rio Grande COG

As the Executive Director of the RIOCOG, Annette Gutierrez, has the great fortune of serving as the Chair of the Texas Health & Human Services Committee for the Texas Association of Regional Councils. One of the benefits off serving in this position is presenting annual awards at the Aging In Texas Conference. It was a great week to learn, connect, and be inspired by the work done by others who focus on the older population. Thanks to Yvette Lugo, for serving on the Planning and Education Committee. It was a great conference.

Our offices will be closed this Wednesday, June 19th, 2024, and will resume regular business hours on June 20th, 2024.
Learn more about the history of Juneteenth, What Is Juneteenth? | HISTORY

Today is , Help raise awareness and show your support for protecting older Texans from abuse by wearing purple!
Ensuring the safety and well-being of older adults in our community is an essential part of the AAA’s mission to support and empower their independence. Visit https://eldermistreatment.usc.edu/weaad-home/ for more information on how you can help!

During the month of June, Adult Protective Services (APS) collaborates with community advocates across Texas to raise awareness of abuse, neglect and financial exploitation that the older adult population routinely faces. Consistently educating the public will provide awareness and prevention of elder abuse. June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. To show our support of the importance of raising awareness and the mission of Adult Protectives Services, the Rio Grande Council of Governments staff wore the color purple. If you suspect abuse, neglect and/or financial exploitation, report it at the 24/7 Hotline: 1-800-252-5400 or Online: www.txabusehotline.org

Come join us tomorrow, Thursday June 13th for the 15th Annual Crimes Against the Elderly: Partnering to Protect Conference as we discuss ways to partner together to ensure the safety of older adults.

This is a FREE event with the donation of any incontinence or toiletry items which will benefit the APS Silver Room.

Come network with local organizations that provide services to local seniors in our community and get informed.

This conference will take place at EPCC Administrative Services Building located at 9050 Viscount, Building A, Conference Room.
and starts at 8:00am-4:230pm, see you there! 🥳

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month—In 2024, 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s and over 11 million family caregivers provide unpaid and often untrained care for a person living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia. Here’s a great read to learn more about brain health: Talking About Brain Health and Aging: The Basics (acl.gov)

Happy National Senior Health & Fitness Day! Did you know that the Area Agency on Aging hosts classes that get senior citizens active all while having FUN! We offer two different classes; A Matter of Balance and Texercise Select which are held at local Senior Rec Centers and are evidence-based to help coordination, flexibility, endurance, and balance. If you would like more information, please call Leticia Herrera at (915) 533-0998.

Our Benefit Counselors Nydia and Victoria were out at the Eastside Senior Citizen Center in celebration of National Senior Health & Fitness Day, where they had the opportunity to talk to older adults about AAA services.

This past Monday, El Paso County Commissioners recognized May as in El Paso! We are thrilled that El Paso County joins us in our efforts in recognizing the invaluable contributions older adults have made and continue to make in our community. We cannot achieve our mission without the help of our community partners who work tirelessly to ensure that older adults here in El Paso and surrounding areas continue to receive the care and support they deserve but that they are also given the opportunity to live independent and fulfilling lives. We are all truly !

Photo Credit: Gibel Amador, (Social Media Analyst, Bienvivir)

Our celebration for continues! Today the great City of El Paso alongside with Mayor Oscar Leeser and City Council members recognized May as Older Americans Month! We are thrilled that the City of El Paso joins our efforts to support older adults in our community live independent and fulfilling lives. We would also like to thank our community partners; Texas Health and Human Services- Community Care Services Eligibility, Adult Protective Services, Project Amistad, 2-1-1 TX Rio Grande, Bienvivir All-Inclusive Senior Health, El Paso County Attorney Elder Protection Unit, the Alzheimer’s Association- West Texas Chapter, El Paso County Nutrition Program, Project Bravo and other elder serving entities who together are committed to ensuring older adults have the resources and support needed to stay independent and remain in their communities.

May is a time to honor and celebrate the influence of older adults across American society. Their wealth of experience and wisdom shapes our communities, enriching us all. Older adults play a vital role in mentoring younger generations, preserving cultural knowledge, and fostering intergenerational connections. As we recognize Older Americans Month, let's acknowledge the contributions made by older adults through community service, civic engagement, and their dedication to living independently. In El Paso, the Rio Grande Area Agency on Aging and various partners are committed to supporting older adults, ensuring they have the resources to remain active and independent members of our community.

This May 2024, under the theme "Powered by Connection," let's emphasize the importance of meaningful relationships and social connections in enhancing the well-being of older adults. Join us in honoring and supporting our older citizens through programs that promote inclusion, connection, and support. Let's celebrate the Older American Adults Month in the City of El Paso, recognizing the valuable contributions of older adults to our community. 🌟👴👵

Nydia, one of our Benefits Counselors and Victoria, our Community Outreach Coordinator attended the Lower Valley Health Fair on Saturday! It was such an amazing turn out and they had the opportunity to talk to people about the services the Area Agency on Aging provides. We cannot thank the Nurses Association enough for annually hosting such a wonderful event and making healthcare more accessible in our community.

Happy Administrative Professionals Day! We would like to thank our administrative staff for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to the Rio Grande Council of Governments. Every day our staff works diligently to ensure the smooth and effective operations of our office. THANK YOU!

JOIN US! Saturday, April 27th at the Lower Valley Health Fair at Socorro High School from 9:00am-2:00pm
The Area Agency on Aging team will be there with giveaways and information about the services we provide. Please share this flyer with your family and friends. We can’t wait to see everyone!

Join us as we celebrate Fair Housing Month; We believe that everyone deserves equal treatment when renting or buying a home, or any other housing-related assistance. For more information about your housing rights please visit: www.hud.gov

The Area Agency on Aging hosted a training this morning for the staff at Adult Protective Services (APS) as well as staff from the El Paso County Attorneys Office- Elder Protection Unit. We talked about the services we offer and shared ideas on how we can work together to continue ensuring the safety of vulnerable adults in our community.

Happy Birthday to our Board President, Henry Rivera!!! We hope you have a great day!!!

Today at our board meeting, we had a special guest from Jeff Davis County!! Don’t worry. County Judge Curtis Evans was still able to vote.

This Thursday, the FRPPG met to score and rank applications from first responders organizations. The FRPPG is managed by Marisa Quintanilla, Regional Services Director. Just over $605,000 will be awarded. El Paso Office of Emergency Management Hudspeth County Herald El Paso County Sheriff's Office - EPCSO

📣 Calling all RIOCOG residents!!!