BONHAM, TX – Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG) and community collaborators held The Fannin County Resource Expo at Bonham Trade Days Armory this past Friday, April 7, 2017. The Expo was coordinated by a team of collaborators including: Bonham Independent School District, Bonham Nursing Care, Home Hospice of Grayson, Cooke and Fannin Counties, Honey Grove Nursing Center, Meals on Wheels Texoma, Mullican Care Center; TCOG’s Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Texoma, TCOG’s Benefits Counseling, TCOG’s Public Housing Program; and Texoma Medical Center-Bonham.

Resource Expos like this are designed to connect individuals and families with local resources to help improve quality of life. “It can be challenging for consumers, and even other agencies, to know about and understand all the different resources available to Veterans, people with disabilities, caregivers, older adults and their families,” said Dr. Susan Thomas, Executive Director of TCOG. “This Expo was about bringing agencies together in one location to help connect citizens to the resources they need.”

There were 130 people who attended and learned about various services offered in the region including: mental health, aging and disability, housing and educational resources. Health screenings were offered in addition to refreshments and door prizes. A free chicken spaghetti meal was provided by Honey Grove Nursing Center and Mullican Senior Care Centers, and was served by Meals on Wheels of Texoma.

“It’s great to see 50 agencies gathering for one purpose–to share information about local resources that benefit residents of Fannin County,” said ADRC Program Manager and Event Chair, Janet Karam. Karam also encouraged people to contact TCOG’s ADRC at 855-937-2372 to learn more about resources available for individuals and families in the Texoma region.

The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson Counties. Established in 1968, the Texoma Council of Governments promotes economy and efficiency in the coordinated planning and development of the tri-county region through its community and economic development activities. Either directly, or through contractors, the Council provides housing, utility assistance, and weatherization services for low-income citizens in the region and assists the elderly through a variety of Area Agency on Aging programs. The Council also facilitates the delivery of grant funding for homeland security and criminal justice.