East Texas Council of Governments

The East Texas Council of Governments is a voluntary association of counties, cities, school districts and special districts within a fourteen-county East Texas region.

ETCOG assists local governments in planning for common needs, cooperating for mutual benefit and coordinating for sound regional development. Established in 1970, ETCOG, either directly, or through its contractors, provides programs and services for East Texas seniors, employers and job seekers. ETCOG and its contractors also build the 9-1-1 emergency call system, provide peace officer training and homeland security planning services; and deliver rural transportation services, business finance programs, grant writing services and environmental grant funding for the region.

The Area Agency on Aging of East Texas is designated by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services to coordinate services for persons in East Texas who are 60 or older, with particular attention to low-income minority older individuals, older individuals with limited English proficiency, and older individuals residing in rural areas.

As our population ages, it is important to provide support services which enable our seniors to live according to their choice, independently and with dignity. With a new face accompanying this changing population, we are constantly looking for new and innovative ways to keep up with the fast-paced baby boomers. We encourage and support volunteer and community groups to get involved.

• Nutrition — Home-delivered meals, congregate meals, and nutritional counseling.
• Senior Centers — Places to go for nutrition services, employment services, and health screening, as well as a venue for social interaction and recreation.
• In-Home Assistance — Support for homebound elderly who want to be as independent as possible, including housekeeping, domestic chores, personal care, and visitation.
• Care Coordination — Arrangement and coordination of services for older people in the most efficient, economical way.
• Transportation — Rides to essential destinations such as nutrition sites, senior centers, doctors' appointments, and grocery shopping.
• Information, Referral, and Assistance — Help getting information about federal, state, or local services.
• Benefits Counseling/Legal Assistance — Help provided by trained benefits counselors on public and private benefits. Referrals to other sources of advice on legal matters.
• Nursing Home Ombudsmen — Trained and certified volunteer advocates, supervised by professionals, who visit nursing facilities and work with the residents, families, and facility employees to achieve the best possible care and quality of life.
• Volunteer Services/Opportunities