Smith County Introduces New Texas A&M AgriLife Education Agent, Hears Aging Services Presentation

The county welcomed a new 4-H coordinator and learned about expanded programs from the East Texas Council of Government's Area Agency on Aging.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:35am

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Smith County received an introduction to the new Texas A&M AgriLife Cooperative Extension Prairie View 4-H agent for the county and a presentation from the director of the East Texas Council of Government's Area Agency on Aging about their services and programs, including case management, caregiver support, and residential repair assistance for older adults.

Why it matters

The new 4-H coordinator will play a key role in engaging local youth in agricultural and STEM education programs, while the expanded aging services from the regional council aim to help older adults live independently in their homes for longer.

The details

Jordan Peldyak, a 4-H and youth development extension agent for Texas A&M AgriLife Tarrant County Office, introduced Erica Davis as the new Cooperative Extension Prairie View 4-H agent for Smith County. Davis will recruit and train volunteers, promote science/agriculture literacy, and manage 4-H club activities. Meanwhile, Adrian Cornejo, director of the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) of East Texas, part of the East Texas Council of Government's (ETCOG), spoke to commissioners about their services, including case management, caregiver support, and a residential repair program to help older adults remain in their homes.

  • Erica Davis was introduced as the new Cooperative Extension Prairie View 4-H agent for Smith County.
  • Adrian Cornejo, director of the ETCOG's Area Agency on Aging, presented to the Smith County Commissioners Court about their services and programs.

The players

Erica Davis

The new Cooperative Extension Prairie View 4-H agent for Smith County, who will oversee 4-H youth development programs in the area.

Adrian Cornejo

The director of the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) of East Texas, a part of the East Texas Council of Government's (ETCOG), which provides services to adults 60 or older, caregivers, and Medicare beneficiaries.

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What they’re saying

“We are so happy to have Erica Davis join us in our team. I know she's worked for Texas A&M AgriLife for three years and the Better Living for Texas program, but now she will be moving to the 4-H and youth development position, so we are really excited. I know she has done some amazing work here and she's going to continue to do some awesome work with our youth here.”

— Jordan Peldyak, 4-H and Youth Development Extension Agent, Texas A&M AgriLife Tarrant County Office

“I'm excited to be back in the county to provide the citizens of Smith County everything that they need.”

— Erica Davis, Cooperative Extension Prairie View 4-H Agent, Smith County

“The snapshot of care coordination 27, care giver support 10 is what that present need at this moment is for Smith County. The need is there.”

— Adrian Cornejo, Director, Area Agency on Aging of East Texas

“We are grateful that our county is supportive of the East Texas Council of Governments and this is a great project and much needed service in our community.”

— Ralph Caraway Sr., Commissioner, Smith County

“It shows how wide and broad your reach is. We appreciate that.”

— J. Scott Herod, Commissioner, Smith County

What’s next

The Smith County Commissioners Court will consider approving a $10,000 grant request from the ETCOG's Area Agency on Aging to expand their case management and residential repair programs in the county.

The takeaway

This update highlights Smith County's commitment to supporting both youth development through 4-H and aging services for older adults through partnerships with Texas A&M AgriLife and the regional East Texas Council of Governments. These initiatives aim to strengthen the community by investing in the next generation and helping seniors live independently.