MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Recognizing the value of age and experience
Each May, we recognize Older Americans Month — a time set aside to honor older adults and reflect on the role they continue to play in our communities, families and lives. This year’s theme, “Flip the Script on Aging,” encourages all of us to challenge outdated stereotypes and to recognize aging for what it truly is: a time of continued growth, purpose and connection.
At Mountain Empire Older Citizens, we’ve always believed that aging doesn’t mean slowing down. It means living fully, with support, dignity and meaning. We see that every day in the people we serve. Whether it’s through our PACE program, home-delivered meals, in-home
services, transportation or one of our many other programs, we’re proud to help older adults stay healthy, engaged and independent for as long as possible.
Many of the people providing these services are older adults themselves. In fact, nearly two-thirds of MEOC’s workforce are age 55 or older. They continue to give back, to work and to help others in their communities.
So, as we celebrate this month, let’s take the time to thank the older adults who have shaped our lives and communities, and continue to do so every day. From all of us at MEOC, thank you for allowing us to serve.
Michael Wampler
SENIOR MANAGEMENT
Michael K. Wampler
Stephanie R. Sprinkle
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
A.J. Hatmaker, Chair, Lee County
Ethel Daniels, Vice-Chair, City of Norton
Nancy Bailey, Wise County
Eleanor S. Cantrell, M.D., Wise County
Pamela Collie-Price, Wise County
Gretchen Cope, Scott County
Steve Garrett, Lee County
Kim Dorton, Scott County
MEOC Board of Directors meets the third Tuesday of February, April, June, August, October and December at 10 a.m. at MEOC’s administrative office building, 1501 3rd Ave. E., Big Stone Gap, Va.
MEOC Advisory Council meets quarterly on the second Thursday of March, June, September and December at 10:30 a.m. at MEOC’s administrative office building.
HOW TO REACH US
Main office
Physical address: 1501 Third Ave. E. Big Stone Gap, VA 24219 Phone: 276-523-4202
Mountain Empire PACE
Physical address: 1508 Third Ave. E. Big Stone Gap, VA 24219 Phone: 276-523-0599
MEOC Transit
Physical address: 1503 Third Ave. E. Big Stone Gap, VA 24219 Phone: 276-523-7433
Thriving at 106!
Meet Violet Holmes, our oldest participant at Mountain Empire PACE (Program of AllInclusive Care for the Elderly). At 106 years old, Violet continues to live at home with the support of her daughter, Roberta (pictured here). With help from PACE, Violet receives most of her care right where she wants to be — at home — including medical, nursing, therapy, dietary and social services. We celebrate Violet every day at MEOC, but we’re especially excited to honor her upcoming 107th birthday!
PACE enrollment reaches highest level in a decade
The Mountain Empire PACE program is growing! In August 2024, enrollment hit 100 participants for the first time since 2016. Since then, enrollment has consistently remained above that milestone, with 104 enrolled as of May 1.
We’re grateful for the ongoing support and referrals from both internal and external sources. If you know someone who might benefit from the comprehensive services PACE provides, please contact Cindy Fraley, Intake and Enrollment Coordinator, at 276-523-0599.
What is PACE?
PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) helps eligible older adults remain safely at home rather than moving into a nursing facility. It provides a full range of services medical care, personal support, transportation, meals, therapy and social activities—all managed by a dedicated team who knows each participant by name.
PACE isn’t just for participants. It’s for families, too. From transportation to respite care, we’re here to support you both.
Services are offered in the home, in the community and at the PACE Center in Big Stone Gap, where participants receive care and build connections. For families and caregivers, PACE brings peace of mind by coordinating care in one place, with one team.
To learn more, call 276-523-0599.
Medical Care: Primary & emergency
Specialty Care: Dental, vision, hearing.
Therapies: Physical, occupational, speech.
Transportation: Rides to medical appointments, PACE.
Medications: Pre-packaged, delivered to your home.
In-Home Help: Personal care, homemaker services.
Nutrition Services: Meals and dietary counseling.
Social Support: Activities, conversation, community.
Rerouting the Road to Wellness
No travel required
In a region where barriers like distance and transportation often stand between seniors and a healthier lifestyle, MEOC is using technology — and a little creativity — to close the gap.
The group of older adults at the Norton Community Center moved at their own pace. Some stood using chairs for support, others sat and moved their arms and tapped their feet. Everyone participated in the way that worked best for them.
At the front of the room, Leah Spivey, MEOC’s Wellness & Insurance Counseling Coordinator, led the Bingocize® session, guiding the group through a round of exercises while standing beside a desk where she’d set up a laptop facing her. On a nearby wallmounted TV screen, a live Zoom feed displayed Spivey on one side. The other side showed a different group of seniors gathered at MEOC’s Jonesville Senior Connections Center, also following along.
“As we do our exercises, find a pace that feels comfortable,”
Spivey called out. “We’re looking good! Jonesville, y’all are looking good too!”
Between 40-second rounds of movement and bingo number calling by MEOC Care Coordination Director Tiffany Jacobs, Spivey quizzed the group on nutrition topics such as building a healthy plate, reading a food label or making smarter grocery store choices. An MEOC care coordinator stood by in Jonesville to provide in-person support.
The class is just one part of a broader initiative designed to connect seniors with health education and services — without ever having to leave their homes or the places where they already gather. The initiative’s two core focus areas — nutrition and physical activity — are delivered through a mix of in-person support, Zoom-based classes and telehealth consultations, depending on each participant’s
needs. All services are free. By meeting people where they are, MEOC aims to remove traditional barriers to care. That might mean bringing group classes to senior centers, helping someone connect with a dietitian over a video call or simply delivering consistent health information straight to their home.
TACKLING HEALTH DISPARITIES
In December 2024, MEOC launched a telehealth nutrition and exercise program, backed by an $88,600 grant from the Southwest Virginia Health Authority. The yearlong effort aims to improve senior health in Lee, Wise and Scott counties and the City of Norton — areas flagged by UVA-Wise’s Healthy Appalachia Institute for high chronic disease rates and limited access to wellness resources. The program is part of a larger initiative to implement
A core component of MEOC's new telehealth initiative is expanding access to exercise opportunities for seniors. Here, older adults at the Norton and Jonesville Senior Connections Centers participate in a Bingocize® class simultaneously.
the region’s 2023-2024 Blueprint for Health Improvement and Health-Enabled Prosperity published by the Healthy Appalachia Institute. MEOC developed the proposal in partnership with the University of Virginia.
“This project is flipping the model,” said Kristen Rutherford, MEOC’s Director of Nutrition and Senior Employment Services. “Instead of asking seniors to come to us, we’re bringing wellness to them — through technology, outreach and programs that meet people where they already are, whether at their home or in a community setting.”
A REGION IN NEED
According to the 2024 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, the Lenowisco Health District — which includes MEOC’s service area — has some of the highest obesity rates in Virginia and limited access to exercise opportunities.
removes as many of those obstacles as possible.”
NOURISHING BODIES & MINDS
At the center of the nutrition effort is access to a registered dietitian, available to all ages for oneon-one telehealth appointments. Service recipients can connect to the dietitian from their home or a community setting like a senior nutriton site.
We know rurality, transportation and income are major barriers. This initiative removes as many of those obstacles as possible.
Nutrition counseling can help with things like managing diabetes, high blood pressure or other health conditions through diet. If you need help creating balanced, budget-friendly meal plans or addressing weight management goals, the dietitian can help with that too. Others may want to learn about how to make healthier food choices in general to improve overall wellness.
— Kristen Rutherford MEOC Director of Nutrition & Senior Employment Services
In Wise County, 44 percent of adults are considered obese, compared to 34 percent statewide. In Lee and Scott counties, only 35 and 50 percent of residents, respectively, have access to places to exercise. In Norton, that number is 93 percent, but food access and affordability remain critical issues.
“We know rurality, transportation and income are major barriers,” Rutherford said. “This initiative
Free telehealth nutrition counseling from a registered dietitian is now just a video call away as part of a new telehealth project.
While nutrition is a key component, wellness isn’t just about what’s on the plate, however. It’s also about staying active in ways that feel safe and sustainable. Thus, exercise is the initiative’s other core focus. That’s where programs like Bingocize® fit into the broader picture — blending movement, social connection and health education in an accessible format for older adults.
The initiative also includes:
• Telehealth appointments with a physician.
• Group nutrition education for churches, civic groups and housing communities via Zoom or in person.
• A monthly nutrition newsletter sent to more than 500 home-delivered meal recipients and 150 congregate site attendees.
• Outreach and telehealth counseling for individuals at high nutritional risk.
• “Understanding Cancer” workshops, offered by MEOC’s Mountain Laurel Cancer Support and Resource Center, covering prevention, screenings and available resources.
• Virtual and in-person presentations by medical professionals on diabetes, respiratory illness, black lung and other chronic conditions.
MEOC will continue offering these services throughout October, with the goal of reaching more participants in both home and community settings.
Fall prevention programs help you stay active, independent, connected
If you’ve ever felt unsteady on your feet, worried about taking a spill or caught yourself thinking, “I guess this is just what happens when you get older,” you’re not alone.
But here’s the truth: Falling isn’t a natural part of aging or something you must accept. It’s never too late to build strength, improve your balance and move through life with more confidence.
MEOC offers two free programs open to ages 60 and older — Bingocize® and A Matter of Balance — designed specifically for older adults who want to stay independent, safe and active. Combining movement, education and supportive community, these classes give people the tools they need to move more safely and feel more confident.
The programs are practical, friendly and tailored to meet you at your ability level, said Leah Spivey, MEOC's Wellness & Insurance Counseling Coordinator.
“Some people aren’t sure what to expect at first, but once they come to a class or two, they realize it’s not intimidating. We keep it simple, flexible and fun. There’s no pressure whatsoever to do more than you’re able. And you don’t have to do everything perfectly. You just have to show up and do what you can. That’s enough to make a difference,” Spivey said.
Spivey stressed that even if you’ve had a fall before — or you’re afraid you might have one— there’s something you can do about it. These programs give people a way to take small steps that really add up, she said.
BINGOCIZE® IN ACTION
At a recent Bingocize® session at the Norton Community Center, Pat Flinders smiled as she pumped her arms and tapped her feet from her wheelchair. Around her, about 15 others moved in place — some seated, some standing, all working at their own pace.
The class followed a steady rhythm: 40 seconds of gentle movement, a round of bingo, and a discussion about health and nutrition. That pattern continued
for the rest of the hour.
Flinders, who recently became eligible for senior center services at 60, said the structure makes the class approachable and doable.
“The exercises are simple and broken down into short segments, so it’s not overwhelming,” she said. “It starts movement in a way that’s doable. I’ve noticed a difference and that I’m feeling better. I plan to keep doing the exercises even after the class is over.”
Ninety-year-old Don Salyers, of Rocky Fork near Wise, was also among class participants. Despite serious health challenges, including Stage 4 lung cancer and diabetes, he’s seen real value in showing up and moving when he can.
“It keeps me going,” he said.
A MATTER OF BALANCE
While Bingocize® uses a lighthearted, gamestyle format to engage participants, A Matter of Balance focuses more on changing how people
Pat Flinders checks her card during a recent round of Bingocize® at the Norton Senior Connections site. She loves that the program breaks the movement down into short, simple segments that aren't overwhelming.
Participants engage in gentle exercises during an MEOC fall prevention class. These classes help older adults improve balance, build strength and reduce their risk of falling.
think about falls. Through group discussions, short exercises and simple home safety strategies, it helps participants shift from fear to action.
“Some people need help with strength and balance. Some need to understand how clutter or poor lighting at home can increase their risk,” Spivey said. “Whatever the case, we want to give people tools that actually work in their lives.”
Ninety-year-old Don Salyers of Rocky Fork near Wise uses an exercise band during a recent fall prevention class at the Norton Senior Connections site.
MEOC Fall Prevention Programs At a Glance
Free and open to adults age 60 and older.
A MATTER OF BALANCE
An eight-week workshop focused on changing how participants view and manage falls.
What you’ll learn:
• How to set realistic physical activity goals.
• Ways to reduce fall hazards at home.
• Strategies to build strength and confidence.
• How to shift fear into action through group support and light movement.
BINGOCIZE®
A 10-week class that combines bingo, movement and health education in a social setting.
What to expect:
• Balance and strength exercises between bingo rounds adaptable for all levels.
• Easy-to-understand tips on nutrition, posture and more.
• A low-pressure, social atmosphere.
• Adaptable for all mobility levels.
Want to join or host a class?
Call Leah Spivey at 276-523-4202.
COMMON RISK FACTORS FOR FALLS
• One fall doubles your risk of another.
• Vision loss nearly doubles the risk of falling.
• Hearing loss triples fall risk. Using a hearing aid can cut that risk in half.
• Lower body weakness, balance issues and difficulty walking.
• Side effects from certain medications, like dizziness or fatigue.
• Chronic conditions such as diabetes or arthritis that affect mobility.
• Home hazards like clutter, poor lighting or lack of grab bars.
Source: National Council on Aging
$101K for heating assistance
More than 300 supporters laced up their shoes and opened their hearts on Sunday to raise $101,650 for older neighbors in need of heat this winter.
The 49th Annual MEOC Walkathon once again proved how powerful a caring community can be. Held May 4 on Big Stone Gap’s Greenbelt Trail, the event brought out a large crowd, including many long-time supporters and several church groups.
All proceeds benefit the Emergency Fuel Fund for the Elderly, which helps low-income
older adults in Lee, Scott and Wise counties and the City of Norton pay their heating bills during the coldest months of the year.
“We are thrilled with the support for this year’s Walkathon,” said MEOC Emergency Services Director Marsha Craiger. “It is always heartwarming to see so many familiar faces and new ones, too, coming together to help others in need.”
Although the event fell short of its $200,000 goal, Craiger said donations are still coming in and
she remains hopeful the final total will grow in the weeks ahead.
“The Walkathon has been our biggest fundraiser for the emergency heating assistance program for nearly five decades,” Craiger said. “The fund is built on the generosity of the community. Local people give their time, money and energy to help their neighbors. That’s what this event is all about. We are so thankful for every corporate sponsor, church group, small business and individual who supported the Walkathon in any way.”
A Day of Giving
Malakai Dukes of Union High School prepares to play the National Anthem before the start of the May 4 Walkathon.
With a sponge and a smile, Eastside High’s Heidi Craiger adds a splash of color with face paint for one young walker.
Opening with honor, the Rye Cove High School Color Guard presents the colors.
Emergency Services Director Marsha Craiger addresses the crowd before the start of the walk.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Fuel fund assists record number
More older adults turned to Mountain Empire Older Citizens for emergency heating help this winter than ever before.
MEOC’s Emergency Fuel Fund helped 1,143 people in Lee, Scott and Wise counties and the City of Norton during the 2024-25 heating season. The total cost exceeded $272,000 — the highest in the program’s nearly 50-year history.
The program serves incomeeligible adults aged 60 and older by providing up to $300 toward electric bills or supplying heating fuel such as wood, coal, propane or heating oil. It is supported entirely through local donations; the program receives no state or federal funding.
“The number of people assisted and the amount spent this past season tell a powerful story,” said MEOC Emergency Services Director Marsha Craiger. “We had a recordbreaking winter and anticipate helping the same number or more people next year.”
Those numbers — people served and amount spent — help show the growing need. But Craiger sees beyond the totals. “I don’t just see the figures. When I look at those totals, I see the people they represent.”
Many of the stories behind those numbers are heartbreaking.
“One recent case that immediately comes to mind involves a cancer patient receiving hospice care,” Craiger said. “His nurse called on his behalf because he was unable to speak. He was in his final days of life and facing a power cutoff notice.”
Other callers are seniors overwhelmed by soaring electricity costs. “We’ve had call after call from people whose electric bills reached $1,000 in a single month,” she added. “If you live on $1,200
repairs on the aging home. Cold air poured in, and his power bills shot up. When the charges became unmanageable, he turned to MEOC for help.
The Emergency Fuel Fund
'I'm so thankful for all the help MEOC has given me. The Emergency Fuel Fund got me out of the cold.'
—
Michael Shuffler, 69
a month, how do you pay that and still buy food or medicine? That’s what some of our older friends and neighbors are up against.”
One of them was 69-year-old Michael Shuffler of Gate City.
This past winter, Shuffler found himself in a cold home with an electric bill he couldn’t afford. He’d worked hard his whole life — first in manufacturing, where he helped make hubcaps and stovepipes, then later in housekeeping at a regional hospital, with jobs like cutting timber thrown in along the way. He retired several years ago.
Shuffler and his wife Carla lived in a double-wide on his family’s homeplace until her death three years ago after a 46-year marriage. His health problems, including diabetes and congestive heart failure, worsened after retirement. As his health declined, so did his ability to keep up with
was able to cover a portion of his bill. Beyond that, an MEOC care coordinator helped guide him through the process of finding safer housing. Shuffler is grateful he will no longer face days bundled up in layers of clothes, a toboggan and overalls but still feeling the chill.
“I’m so thankful for all the help MEOC has given me,” Shuffler said. “It (the Emergency Fuel Fund) got me out of the cold. Being cold and being hungry will make you think — and appreciate life,” he said.
Want to help someone stay warm next winter? Donations to MEOC’s Emergency Fuel Fund are welcome year-round and go directly to older adults in need of emergency heating assistance. To give, mail your contribution to PO Box 888, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219 or visit www.meoc.org.
You may qualify for $50 in Farmers Market benefits
Mountain Empire Older Citizens, Inc., is accepting applications for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program.
This program helps eligible older adults access fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs while supporting local farmers.
To qualify, recipients must:
• Be at least 60 years old.
• Live within MEOC’s service area of Wise, Lee and Scott counties and the City of Norton.
• Have income at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level. The monthly income limit for a one-person household is $2,413; for a twoperson household, it is $3,261.
Qualified individuals will receive $50 worth of benefits to spend at local farmers markets beginning June 1 through the end of the markets’ season. The program is transitioning this year from paper vouchers to a more convenient electronic system. MEOC will be able to provide the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program benefits to 652 eligible participants this year. Benefits will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Call MEOC at (276) 523-4202 to apply. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy fresh, nutritious produce while supporting local farmers!
GOLF FOR A CAUSE
Harold Lester Memorial Tournament set for June 13
The 14th Harold Lester Memorial Golf Tournament returns Friday, June 13, bringing community and cause together on the greens of Lonesome Pine Country Club, Big Stone Gap.
Registration will open at 8 a.m., with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start. All proceeds benefit the Harold Lester Memorial Fund of the Mountain Laurel Cancer Support and Resource Center, operated by Mountain Empire Older Citizens, Inc.
The fund provides direct assistance to cancer patients living in Lee, Scott and Wise counties and the City of Norton — people who are facing unexpected hardships from a cancer diagnosis. From help with nutrition supplements like Ensure to gas cards for treatment travel, the support covers essential expenses that can quickly add up. The fund also assists with rent, utilities, medications and even building materials for ramps, helping patients stay safe and supported at home during treatment.
“Every dollar raised goes right back into the community,” said MEOC Wellness & Insurance Counseling Coordinator Leah Spivey. “The Harold Lester Memorial Golf Tournament is one of our biggest fundraisers for the Mountain Laurel Center. We’d love to see a strong turnout again this year. Even if you’re not a golfer, you can still support the cause as a sponsor or donor.”
The tournament honors the memory of Harold
Scan the QR code with your smartphone to make a quick, secure donation.
Lester, a man known for his strong Christian faith, his dedication to helping others and his lifelong service to young people and families in our region. Mr. Lester worked for more than 30 years in the Wise County School System as a teacher, coach and administrator. He retired as director of secondary education, but his legacy of service didn’t stop there. After his passing, his family established the memorial fund to carry on his commitment to care and compassion.
To register, sponsor or learn more, contact Leah Spivey at (276) 523-4202 or leah.spivey@meoc.org.
Tax-deductible donations can also be made anytime at www.meoc.org
About the Mountain Laurel Center
• Helps local residents navigate cancer with personalized, compassionate support.
• Provides education on prevention, early detection, treatment.
• Offers financial help with:
- Travel for diagnosis, treatment, and surgery.
- Liquid nutritional supplements.
- Other unexpected cancer-related costs.
UVA cancer pain management study seeks
participants, their caregivers
University of Virginia School of Nursing researchers are testing a remote health monitoring system (known as BESI-C) to help patients with cancer manage pain at home and to provide support to their family caregivers.
Who can participate?
Eligible participants are patients with advanced stage cancer (any type of cancer) currently taking opioids for pain and who have a family caregiver also willing to participate.
What’s involved?
Participants will use the easyto-install BESI-C system in their home for approximately 2 weeks. All equipment is provided by the study team at no cost. The BESI-C system involves wearing a smartwatch to record episodes of pain and setting up 3-4 environmental sensors in the home.
Participants will also complete surveys at the beginning and end of the study and will have the opportunity to review data collected by the system.
A thank you gift
A $50 gift card is provided to each participant who completes the study to thank them for their time.
Interested in participating or have questions?
Please contact our lead Clinical Research Coordinator, Penny Amos, pma3v@uvahealth.org.
Struggling to afford glasses?
If you're struggling to afford prescription eyeglasses, help may be available. Pharmacy Connect of Southwest Virginia can assist individuals of any age in getting the glasses they need through the New Eyes for the Needy program, which helps provide basic eyewear to eligible people who otherwise couldn't afford it.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Financial need: Applicants must have a household income at or below 250% of the U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines. For example, the monthly income limit for a one-person household is $3,260 or $4,406 for a two-person household.
Recent eye examination: A prescription from an eye exam conducted within the past 24 months is required.
Proof of income: Applicants
must provide documentation verifying income, such as recent pay stubs, Social Security statements or other official documentation.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested individuals should contact Pharmacy Connect Assistant Amber Dingus at 276523-4202 to initiate the application. Please note, there is a non-refundable application fee of $15, payable by the applicant.
Upon approval, applicants will receive a voucher to order a basic pair of single or lined bifocal eyeglasses through New Eyes' online ordering platform. Dingus can assist with that process.
For additional information about the New Eyes for the Needy program, please visit their official website at neweyes.org.
Medicare made clear
Understanding Medicare can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. MEOC offers free, confidential, and unbiased help through the Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP). A trained counselor can walk you through your options and help you compare plans and benefits. Call 276-523-4202 today.
Apply for Senior Cool Care starting June 1
Mountain Empire Older Citizens, Inc. will begin accepting 2025 Senior Cool Care program applications on June 1.
The program provides a limited number of fans and window air conditioners to eligible older individuals on a first-come, firstserved basis.
To qualify, an individual must:
• Be at least age 60.
• Live in Lee, Scott or Wise counties or the City of Norton.
• Have household income at or below 150 percent of federal poverty guidelines. For a oneperson household, the monthly income limit is $1,956; for a two-
Beat the heat checklist
Drink plenty of water, even if you’re not thirsty.
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Avoid outdoor activity from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Watch for signs of heat exhaustion (dizziness, headache, nausea).
Talk to your doctor about heat-sensitive medications.
Use fans, close blinds and open windows at night.
Stay in air-conditioned spaces when possible.
Check in daily with family, friends or neighbors.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institute on Aging
person household, it is $2,644. Applying for assistance is easy. Call MEOC at 276-523-4202 and ask to speak to a care coordinator. Senior Cool Care is sponsored by Dominion Energy and administered by the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services.
Questions to ask at your next doctor visit
Doctor visits can move quickly, and it’s easy to walk out the door thinking, “I meant to ask about that.” A little preparation can help you make the most of your appointment and feel more confident speaking up.
Start by writing down any symptoms or concerns ahead of time, even if they seem minor. Think about what’s changed since your last visit—sleep issues, aches and pains, appetite, energy. Then, make a short list of questions to bring with you. A few helpful ones might include:
• What might be causing these symptoms?
• Are my medications still the right ones?
• Do I need any vaccines, lab work or screenings?
• Are there changes I should make at home, like diet or exercise?
• What should I watch for, and when should I call you?
If something doesn’t make sense, ask your doctor to explain it in plain language. You have every right to understand your care. Don’t feel embarrassed to say, “Can you go over that again?” or “Can you write that down for me?”
Bringing a list of your current medications can also help your provider catch any possible issues, especially if you see more than one doctor.
If you’re comfortable doing so, you might ask a family member or friend to come along to help listen and take notes.
Caregiver stress is real; don't carry it alone
Caring for a loved one can be deeply rewarding, but it can also be incredibly tough at times. Many caregivers juggle full-time jobs, households and responsibilities while quietly managing the physical, emotional and mental toll that caregiving brings. MEOC’s In-Home and Family Support Services department understands that load and offers regular caregiver support group meetings to help lighten it. Whether you're currently providing care or have done so in the past, you're welcome to attend. These meetings are a chance to connect with others who understand the ups and downs of caregiving. It’s a place to share experiences, offer encouragement and have a little time set aside for you. Lunch is provided. Support groups meet every other month in:
• Lee County at First Christian Church in Pennington Gap.
• Wise County at the MEOC conference room in Big Stone Gap.
Caregivers in Scott County and the City of Norton are invited to attend whichever meeting is most convenient.
Please RSVP before each meeting to Julie Gamble at 276-523-4202, ext. 4850.
SHINE Grant connects students, seniors
This fall, the Weber City Connection Senior Center will be home to more than just hot meals and friendly conversation. Thanks to an exciting new partnership, it will also be a place where teens and older adults learn, lead and grow side by side.
Mountain Empire Older Citizens, in collaboration with the Virginia Cooperative Extension and Scott County Public Schools, will host a four-week intergenerational wellness series at Holston View United Methodist Church in Weber City. The program is supported by a SHINE (Supporting Health Initiatives and an INterdisciplinary Extension) Grant awarded to the Lee/Scott County Extension Office.
Each Friday in September, students and older adults will come to-gether for hands-on workshops centered around health, technology and wellbeing.
Each Monday in September, from the 8th through the 29th, students and older adults will come together for hands-on workshops centered around health, technology and wellbeing. Topics include heart-healthy nutrition, digital citizenship and online safety, mindfulness and movement, and more.
The student leaders participating in the series are members of FCCLA, or Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, through their classes at Gate City, Rye Cove and Twin Springs high schools and Gate City Middle School. FCCLA is a national student organization that helps youth develop real-world skills in areas like nutrition, family dynamics and community service. After classroom preparation, these students will help lead the workshops, working in small groups with older adults to share knowledge, spark conversation and build community connections. MEOC will assist with transportation for senior participants.
Each session will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and includes time for group activities, reflection and a shared lunch. It’s all part of MEOC’s ongoing effort to support healthy aging while creating meaningful opportunities for engagement across generations.
To learn more about the SHINE workshops, contact contact Kristen Rutherford at 276-523-4202.
MET takes top honors at statewide roadeo
For the fifth year in a row, Mountain Empire Transit has driven away with top honors at the annual Virginia Paratransit Roadeo, proving once again that MEOC’s transit team is among the best in the state.
The 2025 competition, held April 26 in Lynchburg, brought together skilled transit operators from across Virginia to test their abilities in safety, precision and passenger care. MET’s team captured the Team Championship, marking the 10th win in 12 years.
Several team members also earned individual recognition. Harry Crider took first place overall, with Jon Lovell finishing third. Crider’s top finish qualifies him to represent Virginia at the
Mountain Empire Transit drivers Jeff Whisman (far left), Harry Crider (third from left) and Betty and Jeff Whisman (far right) brought home the 2025 Paratransit Roadeo Team Championship. With them are MET Director Mitch Elliott (holding the plaque) and Operations Director Will Wright.
national competition later this year in San Diego, California.
The annual roadeo, hosted by the Community Transportation Association of Virginia, features two divisions — body-onchassis and mini-van — and challenges drivers through a series of scenarios. These include a written safety exam, pre-trip inspection, wheelchair securement test and a timed
obstacle course designed to simulate the challenges of daily paratransit service.
“We are so proud of our drivers and their continued commitment to excellence,” said MET Director Mitch Elliott. “This team puts safety, skill and service first, every single day—not just at the roadeo, but in every ride they provide to our community.”
Bring a dietitian to your next meeting via video conference
Is your group or civic organization interested in learning about nutrition? Now through October 2025, Mountain Empire Older Citizens, Inc. offers free community nutrition education presentations led by a registered dietitian.
A dietitian will present this education via live video conferencing. Your group can learn about topics such as how to manage diabetes through diet, heart-healthy foods and budget-friendly meal planning.
These sessions are a great way to engage your members while supporting their health and wellbeing. Presentations are available to civic organizations, church groups, public housing resident groups and other community gatherings in Lee, Scott and Wise counties and the City of Norton.
For more information or to schedule a presentation, contact MEOC Director of Nutrition Kristen Rutherford at 276-523-4202 or kristen. rutherford@meoc.org.
Staff, community partners and advocates gathered April 4 at MEOC’s administrative office to plant pinwheels in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Town of Big Stone Gap presented an official proclamation during the ceremony.
Standing together against child abuse
In April, MEOC’s Children’s Services team led the community in standing together against child abuse through awareness events, education and advocacy efforts.
From wearing blue to planting pinwheels, staff and community partners came together to raise awareness and show their support for children and families.
WEAR BLUE, PLANT HOPE
Thursday, April 4, was Wear Blue Day at MEOC.
Staff members wore blue, the signature color of Child Abuse Prevention Month, as a visible reminder of the importance of the cause.
Another iconic symbol was the blue pinwheel. That same day at 10 a.m., MEOC hosted a Pinwheel Planting Ceremony in front of its administrative office in Big Stone Gap. A proclamation from the Town of Big Stone Gap was read during the event.
Additional pinwheel plantings took place at the Lee County Courthouse on April 8 at 2 p.m. and the Dickenson County Courthouse on April 14 at 2:30 p.m.
A LEGACY OF PREVENTION
MEOC’s commitment to children’s well-being has spanned more than two decades. It began in 1999, when staff recognized they were serving a rising number of grandparents raising grandchildren. This led to the creation of KinCare, a program designed to support these caregivers, many of whom stepped in due to traumatic circumstances.
But MEOC didn’t stop at responding. The question
quickly became: How can we prevent neglect and abuse from happening in the first place?
That search led to the adoption of evidencebased prevention models and, in 2001, the launch of Healthy Families for Southwest Virginia, a program that helps parents build skills and confidence from the very beginning.
One young mother recently joined the Healthy Families program as a first-time parent with little support and overwhelming anxiety. She wasn’t sure what to expect and felt unprepared to raise a baby. But she showed up ready to learn, to try and to grow.
Over her first year in the program, she made incredible progress. She learned about developmental milestones. She began recognizing and responding to her baby’s cues. She practiced positive parenting and started believing in herself.
The mother told her family support specialist that Healthy Families helped her gain confidence as a parent and manage her anxiety.
Today, she is a caring, responsive, intuitive mom who beams with pride as she shares all the new things her child has learned.
WHERE SUPPORT BEGINS
Soon after Healthy Families began, MEOC partnered with local agencies to establish the Southwest Virginia Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) in 2002. This effort followed the lead of Commonwealth’s Attorney Joseph Carico, who introduced the CAC model to local stakeholders.
MEOC was selected to house and administer the program.
The CAC became a safe, childfriendly, compassionate place where child abuse victims could receive the help and support they needed. Designed to accommodate children of all ages, the center also supported their families — recognizing that abuse affects not only the child but the entire household. All services were provided free of charge.
The CAC uses a multidisciplinary team approach, bringing together professionals from law enforcement, child protective services, prosecution, victim advocacy and the medical community. Together, they coordinate every aspect of a case in one location to reduce stress and avoid placing additional burdens on the child.
The CAC also offers traumafocused mental health services, including short-term therapy, crisis intervention, assessment, safety planning and case management. A family advocate helps caregivers understand the process, access resources and cope with the impact of abuse.
The CAC’s Clinical Services Program provides support for
MEOC’s Children’s Services staff, including team members from the Southwest Virginia Children’s Advocacy Center and Healthy Families program, work yearround to support and protect children and families across the region.
adults who experienced child abuse themselves.
MEETING TODAY’S THREATS HEAD-ON
Unfortunately, child abuse continues to evolve, and the internet has opened the door to new forms of harm. The CAC has seen a sharp rise in internetrelated crimes against children, with cases now reaching both local and federal courts.
MEOC’s forensic interviewers are trained to handle these sensitive and complex cases with
Are you raising a relative’s child?
If you’re providing full-time care for a family member’s child, you’re not alone, and MEOC’s KinCare program is here to offer support.
KinCare offers free services to caregivers who have custody of or are raising relative children in their home. Support includes care coordination, monthly support groups, family activities, counseling and case management, parenting education, legal assistance, advocacy and referrals to helpful community resources.
If you would like to learn more about KinCare, contact April Hobson at 276-523-4202 or april.taylor@meoc.org.
care and precision.
In one recent case, a child bravely testified in court, facing their abuser, who was found guilty. In another, a perpetrator pleaded guilty to child exploitation and receiving child pornography.
Both children received comprehensive services through the CAC to support their healing and long-term safety. Due to confidentiality laws, more specific details can’t be shared, but their stories reflect the growing importance of the CAC’s role in today’s world.
