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

* Monday, February 15, 2010: The SWODA offices will be closed for President's Day.

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. (More...)

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. (More...)

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. (More...)

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. (More...)

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. (More...)

Aging Actions Newsletter

December 22, 2009

The Fall/Winter Aging Actions Newsletter is now available. (More...)

Stand Up for Seniors Event to Be Held Early in January

December 22, 2009

The State Council on Aging, a statewide group established to champion the needs and issues confronting older Oklahomans, is planning an event titled, Stand Up for Seniors, to garner support for issues of the elderly from 10:00-12:00 p.m., January 12, 2010, at the Metro-Tech Conference Center, Auditorium, Oklahoma City, Okla. Over 50 supporting organizations have pledged their support to this forum in the hope that it will empower the aging network and others to become active, to advocate earnestly for the needs of seniors, and to make their voices heard around the state. (More...)

SWODA Hosts Census Training

December 21, 2009

South Western Oklahoma Development Authority hosted a Census 2010 training, December 17, 2009 in Burns Flat, Okla. with 19 in attendance. Jeronimo Gallegos, Census Partnership Specialist, conducted the training that focused on developing a Complete Count Committee (CCC) or Census Awareness Campaign. (More...)

Regional Service Awards Presented

December 21, 2009

South Western Oklahoma Development Authority (SWODA) presented service awards to trustees and staff at the SWODA Board of Trustees meeting, Tuesday, December 15, 2009, in recognition of their years of continuing service and commitment to improve economic and social conditions in southwest Oklahoma. (More...)

Legislators Award Operational Grant Checks to Fire Departments

December 14, 2009

Local fire departments recently met with local legislators for the operational grant award check presentation. Operational grant funds were appropriated for the year 2010 by the Oklahoma Legislature to rural fire departments throughout Oklahoma. Each department received $5,100 that can be used to offset the cost of daily operations, such as the following: fuel cost, insurance, building heating and electrical cost, purchase of equipment and vehicle maintenance. (Photos at the bottom of post.) (More...)