Supporting Older Adults in the Community

African American Mental Health and Wellness (AMEN) team is collaborating with KAZI FM 88.7 in producing a radio series to highlight the importance of addressing mental health and physical wellness in the African American community. The monthly series will feature AMEN team members from the School of Nursing, leaders from Mt. Zion Baptist and Rehoboth Baptist churches, and community organizations who provide mental health resources and support in Travis County. 

Supporting Older Adults in the Community – Raising Awareness through Town Halls and Health Fairs

Co-moderators Shannon W. Jones and Jacki Hecht interviewed Rob Faubion, Angela Bigham and Pastor Nathan Robertson. Mr. Faubion serves as the Chief Community Engagement Officer at the non-profit AGE of Central Texas. Ms. Bigham is a certified community health worker with the AMEN program at the UT Austin School of Nursing and People’s Community Clinic. Ms. Bigham also leads the Wellness Ministry at Rehoboth Baptist Church and runs the St. John Faith Community Garden. Pastor Robertson is the Executive Pastor at St. James Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. B.W. McClendon. Pastor Robertson also has the honor of serving as Chaplain for the Austin Fire Department.

AGE of Central Texas was founded 36 years ago and strives to help older adults flourish. For example, Mr. Faubion highlights 6 programs throughout the community that help older adults with cognitive issues, such as Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia thrive. Recently, AGE of Central Texas received a grant from Austin Public Health to assist older adults in the east Austin crescent to have access to vaccines, up to date health information, and other needed resources.

Angela Bigham, in collaboration with AGE of Central Texas, is helping to spearhead a series of Town Halls and Health Fairs to inform the community, especially older adults, about available resources. Ms. Bigham notes that these Town Hall meetings have been successful at getting churches and the community together because the program only lasts one hour and meals are available to take home afterwards. In addition, the AMEN program and Family Wellness Center is on site to provide COVID vaccines at the conclusion of the Town Hall presentation. Several local community organizations, such as American Heart Association and National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Central Texas also participate in the Health Fairs to promote health and wellness for older adults and the broader church family.

Pastor Robertson has seen these Town Halls positively impact the congregations and communities he serves by promoting fellowship and making people aware of the many resources that are available. Through collaboration, these local programs aim to diminish disparities by engaging and educating the community, raising awareness and offering services that promote wellness in a holistic way. For more information about Town Halls and Health Fairs, email Angela Bigham at abigham1@hotmail.com or reach out to the Rehoboth Baptist Church.

To learn more, please visit the AGE of Central Texas and St. John Faith Community Garden websites.

Learn more about AMEN podcast and check out other episodes!
Visit AMEN Podcast Resources.