News – Mountain Empire Older Citizens, Inc.

Housing insecurity among older adults in Southwest Virginia

October 22, 2026 MEOC News No comments yet

BY PAULA CULBERTSON Homelessness and housing insecurity take different forms in Southwest Virginia, where older adults face rising costs, deteriorating homes and a shortage of affordable places to live. The older man who answered the door was wearing a heavy coat, a toboggan and boots. Kayla Mullins, a care coordinator with Mountain Empire Older Citizens, thought he was preparing to leave. She offered to come back another time. “No, I’m not going anywhere,” he told her. “Come in, but don’t mind the mess.”

Shoop receives Mae French Outstanding Older Worker Award

October 7, 2026 MEOC News Comments Off

Teresa Shoop sat quietly among coworkers gathered for MEOC’s annual employee picnic as Executive Director Michael Wampler began reading excerpts from the nomination for the 2026 Mae French Outstanding Older Worker Award. “This person is described as an exceptional team player who consistently goes above and beyond to support our team and organization … dependable, dedicated and always willing to step in wherever needed … demonstrates exceptional service, loyalty, commitment and kindness in the workplace …”

Celebrating 25 years of Healthy Families Southwest Virginia

March 17, 2026 MEOC Events, News Comments Off

Mountain Empire Older Citizens (MEOC) is celebrating the 25th anniversary of Healthy Families Southwest Virginia, a voluntary home visiting program that supports parents and young children across the region. MEOC will mark the program’s 25th anniversary on Tuesday, March 31, following the agency’s annual pinwheel planting in observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month in April. The planting will begin at 10 a.m. outside MEOC’s Big Stone Gap office, with a brief anniversary gathering and light refreshments to follow in the agency’s main conference room.

A life of kindness. A season of support through PACE.

May 20, 2026 MEOC News Comments Off

This story is part of our MEOC Impact series, which highlights individuals and families whose lives have been touched by Mountain Empire Older Citizens programs and services. These stories show what our work looks like in everyday life across the communities we serve.