Celebrating National Case Management Week
Celebrating National Case Management Week
October 16, 2025
It’s National Case Management Week 2025!
This year, we celebrate the incredible case managers at TARCOG and beyond, who dedicate their time, heart, and expertise to guiding journeys — helping individuals navigate challenges and reach brighter futures.
On Thursday, Oct. 16, TARCOG employees took a short break to grab a slice of cake and receive a small token of appreciation to recognize our case managers.
A Togehter Everthing Achieves More key chain came with a card that reads:
Coming together is a beginning.
Keeping together is progress.
Working together is success.
Teamwork makes the dream work.
We are all unique.
When we combine our skills & strength, we are unstoppable!
Everyone plays a key role in our success, and together we achieve our goals and succeed. Your contributions are greatly appreciated.
Thanks for everything you do!
Caregiver College set for Nov. 21
Caregiver College set for Nov. 21
TARCOG’s Alabama Cares Program is getting ready to hold its Caregiver College in November, said Director of Aging Programs Sheila Dessau-Ivey. The event is being held in conjunction with National Family Caregivers Month, an annual observance that recognizes and honors the millions of unpaid family caregivers who care for their loved ones.
“We’re excited to bring this free, one-day conference which is designed to educate, empower, and elevate family and professional caregivers,” Sheila said.
Caregiver College will be Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Huntsville Marriott — Space & Rocket Center, 5 Tranquility Base. Admission is free but pre-registration is required.
This year’s keynote speaker will be Herb Caldwell, Ed.D., founder of The Mama Joe Project which focuses on support for caregivers, promotion of brain health, and improvement of outcomes for elders living with dementia and their families.
TARCOG’s Alabama Cares Coordinator Lydia Weeks invites caregivers to plan to attend this event so they can join peers, experts, and community partners for practical workshops, hands-on caregiver labs, and a robust resource expo.
“You will leave with tools you can use the very next day,” Lydia said. There will also be CEU’s available for those in social work, nursing, and nursing home administrators.
TARCOG’s Alabama Cares Program supports caregivers in DeKalb, Jackson, Limestone, Madison and Marshall counties. Services include respite, access assistance, supplemental support, and education. This year’s conference will focus on the caregiver’s real-world needs by aligning with the 4Ms Framework of Age-Friendly Care including:
- What Matters:Goal setting, care planning, advocacy, navigating appointments, home setup for safe discharges
- Medication:Safe medication use, questions to ask providers, organizing medications and records
- Mentation:Dementia care strategies, communication tips, brain health supports
- Mobility:Fall prevention, home modifications, movement and daily function
For those interested in CEUs, the first important step happens during registration. Lydia said for those seeking CEUs they need to enter their license number and state during registration to expedite certificate processing.
She said 4.5 contact hours will be available from the Alabama A&M University School of Social Work, which will provide Social Work and Nursing CEUs and the TARCOG Ombudsman Program will provide Nursing Home Administrator CEUs.
Registration will close Friday, Nov. 14.
Click here to register online.
If you need assistance with registration or have questions, please call TARCOG at 256-830-0818, or email alabamacares1@tarcog.us
Employee of the Month — October 2025
Employee of the Month — October 2025
October 1, 2025
An excerpt from a coworker’s nomination for Jeane Gibbons as Employee of the Month said:
“In recognition of her outstanding dedication to workplace safety, Jeane takes this responsibility seriously. She consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to creating a safe workplace for all TARCOG employees.
“Jeane’s monthly safety spotlights during staff meetings are a highlight, as she not only shares important information clearly but also engages staff in meaningful, interactive ways. Jeane’s ability to tie safety topics to seasons, holidays, and national safety campaigns keeps the information relevant and memorable.
“Jeane has gone above and beyond to make sure every TARCOG employee is aware of the locations of safety exits, fire extinguishers, and pull stations. She also identified and communicated the designated gathering space in the event of a fire. In the spirit of excellence, Jeane thoughtfully coordinated safety tours for staff so that we are all familiar with critical safety equipment and are prepared in the event of an emergency.
“Beyond workplace safety, Jeane encouraged employees to extend this safety mindset into their personal lives by creating safety plans for their homes. This initiative shows her genuine care for her colleagues’ well-being beyond the office.
“Jeane’s professionalism, initiative, and dedication to safety make her an invaluable member of our team…”
Employee of the Month — October 2025
Name: Jeane Gibbons
Job Title: Resource Specialist
How long have you been at TARCOG and what do you do? I started at TARCOG as a senior aide from October 2021 to May 2024, then transitioned to employee in June 2025.
Currently, I work with the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) where I help with taking voicemails, putting beneficiary forms and SenioRx forms into a state database and send letters to SenioRx participants. I also assist the State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) for our clients’ Medicare benefits and I provide a monthly Safety Update to staff.
What did you want to be when you grew up? A nurse and mother
What do you hope to accomplish within the next year? My work goal is to become ADRC certified. My home goal is to get my card making supplies organized.
Who is your hero and why? My Grandma Gibbons. She worked hard serving as a deputy sheriff under her father, loved her family, worked as a post mistress, served her community, had strong faith, and took in those that needed a home.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? Making cards for others.
What is the best piece of advice someone has given you? To keep a record of the things I accomplish each week.
What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done? I went with a group rafting down the Colorado River.
Who knows you the best? My son, James Hollis. He has spent the last year-plus interviewing me by asking a question each week.
What would you do if you won the lottery? I don’t play, so I wouldn’t need to worry about having to keep it quiet or having lots of people asking for some money.
TARCOG Resource Specialist Jeane Gibbons
Employee of the Month — September 2025
Employee of the Month — September 2025
September 2, 2025
The following is what one of several employees said about Finance Director Gerald Carter in nominating him for Employee of the Month.
“Gerald consistently goes above and beyond his job description without ever voicing a complaint, at least not out loud. He’s become something of an “Office Dad,” always ready to step in where needed.
“Bug in the breakroom? Call Gerald.
“Shredder bag overflowing? Gerald’s on it.
“Something heavy to move? You guessed it, Gerald.
“I once had a client who urgently needed $60 to submit a housing application that same day or they would lose the opportunity entirely.
“Due to circumstances, we weren’t able to provide the funds through official channels, timely. Without hesitation, Gerald handed me $70 in cash from his own wallet, enough to cover both the application fee and the money order.
“While I believe Gerald was reimbursed, I don’t think he realized the full impact of his gesture. His quick action not only secured housing for the client helping them move from the nursing home back into the community, but it also lifted a huge weight off my shoulder. That single act created a domino effect that changed a life and brought real relief in a moment of urgency.
“Gerald steps up and does a lot for the office in front and behind the scenes. I think it would be nice for us to say thank you and show that he isn’t taken for granted.”
__________________
Name: Gerald Carter
Job Title: Finance Director
How long have you been at TARCOG and what do you do? 15 years. I oversee the financial operations of the agency.
What did you want to be when you grew up? Airplane pilot
What do you hope to accomplish within the next year? Create a better work/life balance.
Who is your hero and why? The A-Team. They help people.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? Ride an ATV all day.
What is the best piece of advice someone has given you? Communication is key.
What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done? Bungie jump.
Who knows you the best? My wife, Veronica.
What would you do if you won the lottery? Count every penny.
Finance Director Gerald Carter