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Shoop receives Mae French Outstanding Older Worker Award

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 …”

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Celebrating 25 years of Healthy Families Southwest Virginia

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.

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

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.

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