Information about SWODA
The South Western Oklahoma Development Authority (SWODA), headquartered in Burns Flat, was created in 1971 in a joint effort by municipalities, counties and conservation districts in Beckham, Custer, Greer, Harmon, Jackson, Kiowa, Roger Mills and Washita counties. From these governmental units and from other population segments in the region, 30 representatives are elected to serve on SWODA's governing board. The board of trustees determines policy for SWODA. Leaders in these communities recognized that some problems shared by many of these governments could be better solved if they worked together.
Mission:
Strengthen local governments by providing services and technical assistance.
Promote orderly growth and development through job creation and the preservation of the environmental integrity.
Improve the quality of life by maximizing economic and social opportunities for the region and its population.
Announcements
* Tuesday, March 9, 2010: The monthly SWODA Board of Trustee meeting will be held at 2:00pm.
Census is in the mail!!
March 8, 2010
Census forms are out! Please fill out your form. It only takes a few minutes and the information generated is vital to our programs and services.
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Ice Storm Affects LTC Facility Residents
March 2, 2010
The recent ice storm not only affected those who lost power in their homes or businesses but also the residents of long-term care (LTC) facilities in southwest Oklahoma. Most residents were able to shelter in place and did not have to go through the trauma of evacuating to a temporary facility. Residents who have to evacuate are reluctant to leave their homes.
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Ken Burns Seeking Dustbowl Stories
March 2, 2010
Ken Burns recently asked OETA to help find people who experienced the Dustbowl or have stories to tell regarding that time. Below is his special message to all Oklahomans:
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Workforce Economic Profile
February 23, 2010
Deidre Myers with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce recently presented a newly released economic profile of the SWODA area that was prepared for the Southwest Oklahoma Workforce Investment Board. Deidre reviewed the population data, economic sector information, occupational employment, highest paying occupations, fastest growing occupations and commuting patterns in the area. Deidre also answered questions from the group, and expressed that she hoped this information would be helpful as the WIB went though their upcoming strategic planning process. Vicki Hinkle, Chair, thanked Deidre for the work that ODOC has done on behalf of the Workforce Investment Board. SWODA is a partner in the local workforce system serving as Fiscal Agent and also contracts with the WIB to provide youth, adult, and dislocated worker services.
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Census Jobs Available
February 22, 2010
The U S Census Bureau will hire thousands of people throughout the state of Oklahoma between now and next spring. This strong economic shot in the arm is like having several factories open up in the state! Up to a total of approximately 5,000 people will be on staff during peak times.
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Older Worker Program Needs Workers
January 26, 2010
If a person is 55 years of age or older, has a low income and wants to be employed, then South Western Oklahoma Development Authority’s older worker program may have employment training opportunities available. Participants can be paid for doing community service 20 hours a week while improving or learning new skills which help them transition into unsubsidized jobs. To request information about the older worker program, please call 888-980-9675.
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Masonic Fraternity of Oklahoma Provides Funding Again to Oklahoma’s Area Agencies on Aging
January 19, 2010
The Masonic Fraternity of Oklahoma has again partnered with the South Western Oklahoma Development Authority (SWODA) Area Agency on Aging (AAA), along with other Area Agencies on Aging across the state, to assist with funding direct services for people 55 years of age and older. There will be an application process for individuals 55 and over who are in need of some type assistance that is not otherwise provided by other agencies. These funds will be used on a first come first serve basis until they are all utilized.
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No Cost Flu Shots Covered by Medicare
January 11, 2010
The South Western Oklahoma Development Authority Area Agency on Aging (SWODA AAA) would like to remind older adults that Medicare covers the seasonal and H1N1 flu shots with no out of pocket costs for people covered by Medicare. The SWODA AAA urges all seniors to take advantage of opportunities to be immunized as flu season continues during the coming months. Each year nearly 30 percent of older Americans – and a higher percent of minorities – are not immunized against seasonal influenza. Older adults are at higher risk for complications from the flu, and approximately 36,000 (mostly elderly) die from the flu and its complications each year. Seasonal flu season can begin as early as October and may last through March. The best time to get immunized for flu is in October or November; however, December or later is still recommended if a person has yet to be immunized.
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SWODA Area Agency on Aging to Conduct Public Hearing
January 5, 2010
The South Western Oklahoma Development Authority Area Agency on Aging will be conducting a public hearing at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 26, 2010, in the conference room located at Building 420 Sooner Drive, Burns Flat, Okla. The public is invited and encouraged to attend and comment on the 2011-2014 Area Plan. The area plan may be viewed prior to the public hearing at the main SWODA office, at any local Department of Human Services office or online at www.swoda.org. This four-year area plan reflects services provided under the Older Americans Act, as well as goals and objectives that are set for fulfilling the priority needs of the elderly.
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SWODA AAA Area Plan Now Available for Public Viewing
December 23, 2009
The SWODA Area Agency on Aging (AAA) FY 2011-14 Area Plan is now available for public viewing.
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