Community Outreach & Education

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The Garrison Institute on Aging Community Outreach & Education

The Garrison Institute on Aging (GIA) is committed to promoting healthy aging through meaningful community partnerships and educational outreach. By collaborating with local and state organizations, healthcare providers, and community leaders, GIA works to empower individuals with the knowledge and resources needed to support lifelong wellness.

Our outreach efforts span a broad range of programs, services, and research initiatives that benefit older adults, individuals living with age-related conditions, and the caregivers and families who support them. Through education, engagement, and collaboration, GIA strives to strengthen communities and improve quality of life across the region.

GIA Programs

GIA programs are designed to support healthy aging, provide meaningful education, and enhance quality of life for older adults, caregivers, and families. Through community-focused initiatives, the institute offers opportunities to learn, connect, and grow while addressing the physical, emotional, and social aspects of aging.

Featured programs include the Healthy Aging Lecture Series, which delivers expert-led education on topics that promote lifelong wellness; Grief and Response to Illness into Late Life, which explores emotional resilience, coping, and adaptation; and Compassionate Touch. Together, these programs reflect GIA’s commitment to empowering individuals and strengthening communities through education and support.

The Grief and Response to Illness into Late Life (GRILL) Lab focuses on understanding and promoting psychological health in later life and serious illness. Our work is dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals living with life-limiting illnesses such as cancer and dementia and for the caregivers and families who support them. Learn more about the GRILL Lab.

Compassionate Touch is a program focused on comfort-based techniques that foster connection and well-being. For more information regarding this program contact our department.

Health Aging Lecture Series
The Healthy Aging Lecture Series has been held since 2005 and continues to be a service to the community. Local community experts share information about health, wellness, and chronic diseases such as Alzheimer's, cardiovascular, as well as many other diseases. Lectures are every fourth Wednesday of the month, during the Fall and Spring.

This program is available through two options:

Zoom
In-Person at Carillon Senior Living (Windsong Independent Living Facility), 4002 16th Street, Lubbock, TX 79416

Healthy Aging Lecture Series Schedule
Check out our Events page for upcoming dates.

Events

Dementia

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The Dementia Friendly Lubbock Initiative is proud to help foster the development of change in the way people think and act toward those living with dementia and their caregivers.

Each November, GIA hosts Alzheimer's Awareness Month events to educate, engage, and support our community. Through expert-led presentations, caregiver workshops, resource fairs, and community outreach activities, these events raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, promote early understanding, and provide practical tools and support for individuals and families navigating the dementia journey. Learn more about the GIA Alzheimer's Awareness Month.

Workshop

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The Care Partner Workshop is designed to support those caring for a loved one living with dementia or other chronic conditions.

This program equips care partners with practical tools to meet their loved one’s needs while also prioritizing their own physical and emotional well-being. Participants receive evidence-based education and take part in supportive group discussions focused on disease management, personal care strategies, managing behavioral changes, and the importance of caregiver self-care.

Made possible through the generosity of the Newby Family, this workshop is offered on the second Tuesday of each month via Zoom and in person. The program is open to adults who are actively caring for a loved one and provides guidance, resources, and community support to help them navigate the caregiving journey with confidence.

Program Information:
This program is hosted every 2nd Tuesday of the month available through two options:

Zoom
In-Person: 6630 Quaker Ave., Suite E, Lubbock, TX 79413.

This workshop is for adults caring for loved ones and teaches participants:

Techniques to deal with problems or issues that arise while caring for others
Provides resources to help better care for loved ones
Communication techniques when talking to health care professional
Dealing with decisions regarding with transition

Volunteer

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The Lubbock Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) engages seniors in a wide array of community services that help non-profit and community based organizations including health, nutrition, human services, education, community and economic development and public safety.