Governor Abbott Issues Executive Order To Expand Openings Of Certain Businesses and Activities
Office of the Texas Governor, Greg Abbott • May 5, 2020
WHEREAS, I, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, issued a disaster proclamation on March 13, 2020, certifying under Section 418.014 of the Texas Government Code that the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) poses an imminent threat of disaster for all counties in the State of Texas; and
WHEREAS, on April 12, 2020, I issued a proclamation renewing the disaster declaration for all counties in Texas; and
WHEREAS, the Commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Dr. John Hellerstedt, has determined that COVID-19 represents a public health disaster within the meaning of Chapter 81 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, and renewed that determination on April 17, 2020; and
WHEREAS, I have issued executive orders and suspensions of Texas laws in response to COVID-19, aimed at protecting the health and safety of Texans and ensuring an effective response to this disaster; and
WHEREAS, I issued Executive Order GA-08 on March 19, 2020, mandating certain obligations for Texans in accordance with the President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America, as promulgated by President Donald J. Trump and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on March 16, 2020, which called upon Americans to take actions to slow the spread of COVID-19 for 15 days; and
WHEREAS, I issued Executive Order GA-14 on March 31, 2020, based on the President’s announcement that the restrictive Guidelines should extend through April 30, 2020, in light of advice from Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Deborah Birx, and also based on guidance by DSHS Commissioner Dr. Hellerstedt and Dr. Birx that the spread of COVID-19 can be reduced by minimizing social gatherings; and
WHEREAS, Executive Order GA-14 superseded Executive Order GA-08 and expanded the social-distancing restrictions and other obligations for Texans, aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19 and protecting public health and safety; and
WHEREAS, after more than two weeks of having in effect the heightened restrictions like those required by Executive Order GA-14, which had saved lives, it was clear that the disease still presented a serious threat across Texas that could persist in certain areas, but also that COVID-19 had wrought havoc on many Texas businesses and workers affected by the restrictions that were necessary to protect human life; and
WHEREAS, on April 17, 2020, I therefore issued Executive Order GA-17, creating the Governor’s Strike Force to Open Texas to study and make recommendations on safely and strategically restarting and revitalizing all aspects of the Lone Star State—work, school, entertainment, and culture; and
WHEREAS, also on April 17, 2020, I issued Executive Order GA-16 to generally continue through April 30, 2020, the same social-distancing restrictions and other obligations for Texans according to federal guidelines, but also to offer a safe, strategic first step to Open Texas, including permitting retail pick-up and delivery services; and
WHEREAS, I subsequently issued Executive Order GA-18 on April 27, 2020, to expand the services that are reopened in Texas, including allowing in-store retail and dine-in restaurant services at establishments operating within specific capacity limits; and
WHEREAS, as normal business operations resume, everyone must act safely, and to that end Executive Order GA-18 and this executive order provide that all persons should follow the health protocols recommended by DSHS, which whenever achieved will mean compliance with the minimum standards for safely reopening, but which should not be used to fault those who act in good faith but can only substantially comply with the standards in light of scarce resources and other extenuating COVID-19 circumstances; and
WHEREAS, Texas must continue to protect lives while restoring livelihoods, both of which can be achieved with the expert advice of medical professionals and business leaders; and
WHEREAS, the “governor is responsible for meeting … the dangers to the state and people presented by disasters” under Section 418.011 of the Texas Government Code, and the legislature has given the governor broad authority to fulfill that responsibility; and
WHEREAS, under Section 418.012, the “governor may issue executive orders … hav[ing] the force and effect of law;” and
WHEREAS, under Section 418.016(a), the “governor may suspend the provisions of any regulatory statute prescribing the procedures for conduct of state business … if strict compliance with the provisions … would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with a disaster;” and
WHEREAS, under Section 418.017(a), the “governor may use all available resources of state government and of political subdivisions that are reasonably necessary to cope with a disaster;” and
WHEREAS, under Section 418.018(c), the “governor may control ingress and egress to and from a disaster area and the movement of persons and the occupancy of premises in the area;” and
WHEREAS, under Section 418.173, failure to comply with any executive order issued during the COVID-19 disaster is an offense punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000, confinement in jail for a term not to exceed 180 days, or both fine and confinement.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of Texas, do hereby order the following on a statewide basis effective immediately, and continuing through May 19, 2020, subject to extension based on the status of COVID-19 in Texas and the recommendations of the Governor’s Strike Force to Open Texas, the White House Coronavirus Task Force, and the CDC:
In accordance with guidance from DSHS Commissioner Dr. Hellerstedt, and to achieve the goals established by the President to reduce the spread of COVID-19, every person in Texas shall, except where necessary to provide or obtain essential services or reopened services, minimize social gatherings and minimize in-person contact with people who are not in the same household. People over the age of 65, however, are strongly encouraged to stay at home as much as possible; to maintain appropriate distance from any member of the household who has been out of the residence in the previous 14 days; and, if leaving the home, to implement social distancing and to practice good hygiene, environmental cleanliness, and sanitation.
“Essential services” shall consist of everything listed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in its Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce, Version 3.0 or any subsequent version, plus religious services conducted in churches, congregations, and houses of worship. Other essential services may be added to this list with the approval of the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM). TDEM shall maintain an online list of essential services, as specified in this executive order and any approved additions. Requests for additions should be directed to TDEM at EssentialServices@tdem.texas.gov
or by visiting the TDEM website at www.tdem.texas.gov/essentialservices.
“Reopened services” shall consist of the following to the extent they are not already “essential services:”
- Retail services that may be provided through pick-up, delivery by mail, or delivery to the customer’s doorstep.
- In-store retail services, for retail establishments that operate at up to 25 percent of the total listed occupancy of the retail establishment.
- Dine-in restaurant services, for restaurants that operate at up to 25 percent of the total listed occupancy of the restaurant; provided, however, that
- this applies only to restaurants that have less than 51 percent of their gross receipts from the sale of alcoholic beverages;
- the occupancy limits do not apply to customers seated in outdoor areas of the restaurant; and
- valet services are prohibited except for vehicles with placards or plates for disabled parking.
- Movie theaters that operate at up to 25 percent of the total listed occupancy of any individual theater for any screening.
- Shopping malls that operate at up to 25 percent of the total listed occupancy of the shopping mall; provided, however, that within shopping malls, the food-court dining areas, play areas, and interactive displays and settings must remain closed.
- Museums and libraries that operate at up to 25 percent of the total listed occupancy; provided, however, that
- local public museums and local public libraries may so operate only if permitted by the local government, and
- any components of museums or libraries that have interactive functions or exhibits, including child play areas, must remain closed.
- Services provided by an individual working alone in an office, effective until 12:01 a.m. on Monday, May 18, 2020, when this single-person office provision is superseded by the expanded office-based services provision set forth below.
- Golf course operations.
- Local government operations, including county and municipal governmental operations relating to permitting, recordation, and document-filing services, as determined by the local government.
- Wedding venues and the services required to conduct weddings; provided, however, that for weddings held indoors other than at a church, congregation, or house of worship, the facility may operate at up to 25 percent of the total listed occupancy of the facility.
- Wedding reception services, for facilities that operate at up to 25 percent of the total listed occupancy of the facility; provided, however, that the occupancy limits do not apply to the outdoor areas of a wedding reception or to outdoor wedding receptions.
- Starting at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, May 8, 2020:
- Cosmetology salons, hair salons, barber shops, nail salons/shops, and other establishments where licensed cosmetologists or barbers practice their trade; provided, however, that all such salons, shops, and establishments must ensure at least six feet of social distancing between operating work stations.
- Tanning salons; provided, however, that all such salons must ensure at least six feet of social distancing between operating work stations.
- Swimming pools; provided, however, that (i) indoor swimming pools may operate at up to 25 percent of the total listed occupancy of the pool facility; (ii) outdoor swimming pools may operate at up to 25 percent of normal operating limits as determined by the pool operator; and (iii) local public swimming pools may so operate only if permitted by the local government.
- Starting at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, May 18, 2020:
- Services provided by office workers in offices that operate at up to the greater of (i) five individuals, or (ii) 25 percent of the total office workforce; provided, however, that the individuals maintain appropriate social distancing.
- Manufacturing services, for facilities that operate at up to 25 percent of the total listed occupancy of the facility.
- Gyms and exercise facilities and classes that operate at up to 25 percent of the total listed occupancy of the gym or exercise facility; provided, however, that locker rooms and shower facilities must remain closed, but restrooms may open.
- For Texas counties that have filed with DSHS, and are in compliance with, the requisite attestation form promulgated by DSHS regarding five or fewer cases of COVID-19, those in-store retail services, dine-in restaurant services, movie theaters, shopping malls, museums and libraries, indoor wedding venues, wedding reception services, swimming pools, services provided by office workers in offices of more than five individuals, manufacturing services, and gyms and exercise facilities and classes, as otherwise defined and limited above, may operate at up to 50 percent (as opposed to 25 percent).
- Such additional services as may be enumerated by future executive orders or proclamations by the governor.
The conditions and limitations set forth above for reopened services shall not apply to essential services. The total listed occupancy limits described above refer to the maximum occupant load set by local or state law, but for purposes of this executive order, staff members are not included in determining operating levels except for non-essential manufacturing service providers and services provided by office workers. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the governor may by proclamation identify any county or counties in which reopened services are thereafter prohibited, in the governor’s sole discretion, based on the governor’s determination in consultation with medical professionals that only essential services should be permitted in the county, including based on factors such as an increase in the transmission of COVID-19 or in the amount of COVID-19-related hospitalizations or fatalities.
In providing or obtaining essential services or reopened services, all persons (including individuals, businesses and other organizations, and any other legal entity) should use good-faith efforts and available resources to follow the minimum standard health protocols recommended by DSHS, found at www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus. All persons should also follow, to the extent not inconsistent with the DSHS minimum standards, the Guidelines from the President and the CDC, as well as other CDC recommendations. Individuals are encouraged to wear appropriate face coverings, but no jurisdiction can impose a civil or criminal penalty for failure to wear a face covering. Nothing in this executive order or the DSHS minimum standards precludes requiring a customer wishing to obtain services to follow additional hygiene measures.
Religious services should be conducted in accordance with the joint guidance issued and updated by the attorney general and governor.
People shall avoid visiting bars, massage establishments, tattoo studios, piercing studios, sexually oriented businesses, or interactive amusement venues such as bowling alleys, video arcades, amusement parks, water parks, or splash pads, unless these enumerated establishments or venues are specifically added as a reopened service by proclamation or future executive order of the governor. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the governor may by proclamation add to this list of establishments or venues that people shall avoid visiting. To the extent any of the establishments or venues that people shall avoid visiting also offer reopened services permitted above, such as restaurant services, these establishments or venues can offer only the reopened services and may not offer any other services. The use of drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options for food and drinks remains allowed and highly encouraged throughout the limited duration of this executive order.
This executive order does not prohibit people from accessing essential or reopened services or engaging in essential daily activities, such as going to the grocery store or gas station; providing or obtaining other essential or reopened services; visiting swimming pools, parks, beaches, rivers, or lakes; hunting or fishing; or engaging in physical activity like jogging, bicycling, or other outdoor sports, so long as the necessary precautions are maintained to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and to minimize in-person contact with people who are not in the same household.
In accordance with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC, people shall not visit nursing homes, state supported living centers, assisted living facilities, or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance as determined through guidance from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). Nursing homes, state supported living centers, assisted living facilities, and long-term care facilities should follow infection control policies and practices set forth by the HHSC, including minimizing the movement of staff between facilities whenever possible.
In accordance with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC, schools shall remain temporarily closed to in-person classroom attendance by students and shall not recommence before the end of the 2019-2020 school year, except that a student (accompanied by an adult if needed) may, as allowed by the school consistent with the minimum standard health protocols found in guidance issued by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), visit his or her school campus (a) for limited non-instructional administrative tasks such as cleaning out lockers, collecting personal belongings, and returning school items like band instruments and books; or (b) for graduating seniors, to complete post-secondary requirements that cannot be accomplished absent access to the school facility and its resources, excluding any activity or assessment which can be done virtually. Public education teachers and staff are encouraged to continue to work remotely from home if possible, but may return to schools to conduct remote video instruction, as well as perform administrative duties, under the minimum standard health protocols found in guidance issued by the TEA. Private schools and institutions of higher education should establish similar standards to allow teachers and staff to return to schools to conduct remote video instruction and perform administrative duties when it is not possible to do so remotely from home. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, schools may conduct graduation ceremonies consistent with the minimum standard health protocols found in guidance issued by the TEA. Nothing in this executive order, the DSHS minimum standards, or the joint guidance issued and updated by the attorney general and governor precludes churches, congregations, and houses of worship from using school campuses for their religious services or other allowed services.
This executive order shall supersede any conflicting order issued by local officials in response to the COVID-19 disaster, but only to the extent that such a local order restricts essential services or reopened services allowed by this executive order, allows gatherings prohibited by this executive order, or expands the list of essential services or the list or scope of reopened services as set forth in this executive order. I hereby suspend Sections 418.1015(b) and 418.108 of the Texas Government Code, Chapter 81, Subchapter E of the Texas Health and Safety Code, and any other relevant statutes, to the extent necessary to ensure that local officials do not impose restrictions in response to the COVID-19 disaster that are inconsistent with this executive order, provided that local officials may enforce this executive order as well as local restrictions that are consistent with this executive order.
This executive order supersedes Executive Order GA-18, but does not supersede Executive Orders GA-10, GA-13, GA-17, GA-19, or GA-20. This executive order shall remain in effect and in full force until 11:59 p.m. on May 19, 2020, unless it is modified, amended, rescinded, or superseded by the governor.
Given under my hand this the 5th day of May, 2020.
Governor Greg Abbott
East Texas businesses, schools, nonprofit organizations, and government entities can earn recognition for practical efforts that reduce waste, increase recycling, and support a cleaner, more sustainable region through the ETCOG Green Business Program. The program recognizes organizations that voluntarily adopt environmentally responsible practices in their daily operations. Whether an organization is just beginning to improve its recycling efforts or has established a more comprehensive waste-reduction program, ETCOG provides resources to help participants evaluate their operations and build sustainable practices that are practical and manageable. Turning Everyday Actions Into Meaningful Results Waste reduction and recycling can create real benefits for organizations and the communities they serve. By reducing materials sent to landfills, businesses and other participating organizations may lower disposal costs, conserve landfill capacity, avoid greenhouse-gas emissions, and support markets for recovered materials. The Green Business Program is designed to help organizations take meaningful steps without making the process overwhelming. ETCOG’s Waste Reduction and Recycling Toolkit includes practical guidance and evaluation tools that can help participants identify opportunities for source reduction, reuse, recycling, and organics recovery. The program supports the goals of the ETCOG Regional Municipal Solid Waste Management Plan by encouraging organizations to: Reduce the amount of waste requiring disposal through source reduction, reuse, and recycling Create local markets for recovered materials Develop strategies to recover organics from the waste stream Increase awareness of landfill diversion and sustainable waste-management practices Recognition for East Texas Organizations The Green Business Program is open at no cost to qualifying businesses, governmental entities, schools, and nonprofit organizations located within ETCOG’s 14-county region. Organizations can qualify for one of two recognition levels. Green Business Partner recognition is available to organizations that meet the program’s minimum requirements and earn at least 10 points on the Green Business Program Award Application. Green Business Pioneer recognition is available to organizations that meet the minimum requirements and earn at least 20 points. Green Business Pioneers are also eligible for the annual Green Business of the Year Award, which recognizes outstanding recycling, waste-reduction, and innovative sustainability efforts. Recognition is valid for one year and can help participating organizations demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, strengthen community visibility, and appeal to customers, residents, employees, and partners who value responsible environmental practices. How to Participate Organizations interested in Green Business recognition should first confirm that they meet the program’s eligibility requirements. Applicants must be located within the ETCOG region, earn at least 10 points on the Green Business Program Award Application, maintain recycling or organics collection service or self-haul recyclable or organic materials, and complete the required Waste Evaluation Toolkit. To learn more, access the program packet and toolkits, or begin the application process, visit the ETCOG Green Business Program page. For questions, contact Economic & Community Development Specialist Cammie Keenon at Cammie.Keenon@etcog.org or call ETCOG at 903-218-6400 and ask for the Solid Waste Coordinator.
The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) will host three specialized Sexual Assault and Family Violence Investigator Course (SAFVIC) training opportunities in late November and early December for East Texas telecommunications professionals, peace officers, and prosecutors. The courses will provide practical, trauma-informed instruction to strengthen the regional response to sexual assault, family violence, stalking, human trafficking, and strangulation-related offenses. All participants must pre-register at www.safvic.org . SAFVIC for Telecommunication Professionals November 20, 2026 ETCOG | 3800 Stone Road, Kilgore, Texas 8 TCOLE Hours Texas 911 call-takers and dispatch professionals are often the first point of contact during an emergency. The Sexual Assault and Family Violence Investigator Course for Telecommunication Professionals is designed to help these critical first responders identify and appropriately manage calls involving sexual assault and family violence while supporting victim and officer safety. Topics include: Statistics and history of sexual assault and family violence Dynamics of family violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking Special considerations involving people with disabilities, older adults, military families, immigrant communities, and tribal communities Victim-centered communication and safety planning Best practices for handling sexual assault and family violence calls Applicable state and federal laws Participants who pass the final exam will receive eight hours of TCOLE credit. Three-Day Sexual Assault & Family Violence Investigators Course November 30 – December 2, 2026 East Texas Police Academy | 209 S. Center Street, Longview, TX 75601 24 TCOLE Hours | Course #3264 This comprehensive three-day course is designed for Texas peace officers who investigate sexual assault and family violence offenses. Participants will receive instruction on effective investigative strategies and trauma-informed practices that can improve responses to victims and strengthen case preparation. Topics include: Sexual assault and family violence dynamics Current legal updates and applicable laws Investigative and tactical approaches Trauma-informed care Interviewing and interrogation Protective orders and report writing Stalking investigations Drug-facilitated sexual assault Violence affecting immigrant and tribal communities, military families, people with disabilities, Deaf individuals, and adults later in life Community response systems and victim resources Successful participants will receive 24 hours of TCOLE credit under Course #3264. The course may also be taken in lieu of: Special Investigative Topics — TCOLE #3232 Trauma-Informed Approach to Sexual Assault Investigations — TCOLE #470 and #4070 Texas Investigations & Prosecutions of Strangulation December 4, 2026 East Texas Police Academy | 209 S. Center Street, Longview, TX 75601 8 TCOLE Hours The Texas Investigations & Prosecutions of Strangulation course, known as TxIPS, equips Texas law-enforcement officers and prosecutors to recognize, investigate, and prosecute strangulation-related offenses. Strangulation is among the most lethal forms of domestic and sexual violence. A victim can lose consciousness within seconds, and death can occur within minutes. Because many victims may not show visible external injuries, it is especially important for public-safety professionals to recognize the warning signs and risk factors associated with these incidents. Topics include: Introduction to strangulation and its connection to intimate partner violence, homicide, sexual violence, and human trafficking Lethality and risk indicators associated with strangulation Signs and symptoms, including cases without visible external injuries Texas strangulation laws Proper use of a strangulation supplement Strategies for prosecution of strangulation crimes These courses are part of the statewide SAFVIC initiative, which works to strengthen law enforcement and public safety responses to sexual assault and family violence. By providing specialized training for dispatch professionals, investigators, and prosecutors, ETCOG is helping ensure that East Texas agencies have access to the tools, knowledge, and trauma-informed practices needed to support victims and promote safer communities. To register for any of these training opportunities, visit www.safvic.org .
Connecting Communities to Regional Solutions Through ETCOG 101 Workshop Series
ETCOG leaders recently joined Councils of Governments staff from across Texas for the Texas Association of Regional Councils’ (TARC) biannual staff training. Along with strong learning and collaboration opportunities, we were proud to have our Board Chairman and several staff come away from the event with big wins. The week ended with a proud moment for East Texas as ETCOG Board Chairman and Whitehouse Mayor James Wansley was sworn in as TARC President-Elect for 2026–2027. His new role places an East Texas voice in TARC’s leadership and reflects his longstanding commitment to public service and regional cooperation. That leadership presence continued throughout the training. ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland agreed to continue serving as Chair of TARC’s Community and Economic Development Committee, helping guide conversations about the priorities that shape strong communities and create economic opportunity. ETCOG Director of Operations Wendi Horst also began a new chapter of service as TARC’s Chief Financial Officer. During the training, she presented on TARC finances to the Finance and Personnel Association, the Budget and Bylaws Committee, and the TARC Board of Directors, helping keep the organization focused on responsible financial stewardship. ETCOG Assistant Executive Director Brandy Brannon was appointed Vice-Chair of TARC’s Finance and Personnel Association. Her appointment recognizes the knowledge and leadership she brings to supporting the people and operations behind Texas’ regional councils. The trip also marked the launch of a new effort to strengthen how COGs communicate with their communities. ETCOG Director of Communications Lindsay Vanderbilt helped form TARC’s new Communications Work Group and was appointed as its Chair. The group will bring communications professionals together to exchange ideas, share tools, and improve public outreach. From new appointments to continued service, ETCOG’s participation at TARC demonstrated the value of showing up, sharing expertise, and working alongside peers from around the state. These leadership roles give East Texas a strong voice while creating opportunities to bring new ideas and partnerships home to the communities ETCOG serves.
ETCOG is pleased to announce its new Chairman, Camp County Judge AJ Mason; the new Board and Executive Committee Officers serving for FY 2027; and Executive Committee members beginning a new two-year term. The ETCOG Board of Directors appoints the Executive Committee, which meets monthly and is responsible for establishing the policies, programs, and services on behalf of the Board for our 14-county region. Board Officers Chairman – Camp County Judge AJ Mason 1st Vice-Chairman – Smith County Commissioner Ralph Carraway, Sr. 2nd Vice Chairman – City of Carthage City Commissioner Tate Barber 3rd Vice Chairman – Rains County Commissioner Jeremy Cook Secretary/Treasurer – City of Longview Mayor Kristen Ishihara “Working with elected officials from across East Texas is a privilege I greatly enjoy while serving on the ETCOG Executive Committee,” said Judge Mason. “Due to the efforts of ETCOG leadership and staff, we look forward to a record year in FY 2027. Serving East Texans in communities in all 14 counties is our focus. Senior meal programs, childcare, employers and job seekers, rural transportation, public safety and peace officer training, 911 emergency systems and economic development are only a few of the areas benefiting our East Texas communities due to the efforts of this outstanding organization.” Executive Committee Members Returning for New Terms The following Executive Committee members have been appointed to new two-year terms: Gregg County – Judge Bill Stoudt Gregg County Cities – City of Longview Mayor Kristen Ishihara Panola County – City of Carthage City Commissioner Tate Barber Smith County – Commissioner Ralph Caraway, Sr. Smith County Cities – Whitehouse Mayor James Wansley New Executive Committee Members ETCOG is proud to welcome the following new Executive Committee members for a two-year term: Marion County – City of Jefferson Councilman Charles (Bubba) Haggard Upshur County – Judge-Elect Brandon Dodd (Effective 1/1/2027) "I am grateful for the volunteer service rendered by all of our elected officials and particularly want to thank and congratulate our returning Chairman, Judge AJ Mason, and the rest of our ETCOG Officers and Board members for their selfless dedication and service to our region," said ETCOG's Executive Director, David Cleveland. These new officers and board member terms were approved at our September 24th Board of Directors meeting, where the FY 2027 Budget and Planning Guide totaling $90.6 M was also approved. The budget is the largest in agency history and represents a balanced budget, with revenue sources matching projected expenditures for all funds. To learn more about the FY 2027 budget and program goals, visit www.etcog.org/financials .
Eligible communities must submit applications by November 19, 2026.
110th Semi-Annual Board of Directors Meeting to be Held September 24th
Public comments will be accepted through October 11, 2026.
This summer, ETCOG Director of Aging Programs Adrian Cornejo welcomed an extraordinary experience into his home through his volunteer work with Creating Friendships for Peace (CFP). For one month, Adrian hosted two students from Cyprus, Michael and Derin, who came to East Texas through the CFP program. During their stay, the students shared a room in Adrian’s home, experienced daily life in the region, shadowed Adrian at ETCOG, and attended an ETCOG Executive Committee meeting. Creating Friendships for Peace brings young people from communities affected by longstanding divisions together for cultural exchange, dialogue, and relationship-building. Cyprus has been divided for decades between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, with a history of conflict and mistrust that can shape how young people see those from the other side of the island. Adrian said the experience gave him a deeply personal view of how division can affect young people and how meaningful it can be when they have the opportunity to connect outside of those divisions. “What I witnessed through these young men was difficult to process,” Adrian said. “Each of their societies has, in different ways, instilled distrust, division, and even hatred toward people on the ‘other side.’ Perhaps the most heartbreaking part is hearing that this begins when they are children.” Through his involvement with CFP, Adrian also hosted two young men from Israel for a few days, one Jewish Israeli and one Arab Israeli, who similarly came from communities shaped by complex social and political divisions. “This is not a political story,” Adrian said. “It is a personal reflection on what has been one of the most emotional and humbling experiences of my life. Hearing the students’ experiences made me realize just how much we take for granted here in the United States,” he said. “We have the freedom to think, to question, and to decide for ourselves what we believe and how we treat others.” For Michael and Derin, their time in East Texas offered an opportunity to see a different community, to witness regional collaboration in action as our elected officials voted on ETCOG business, and to build friendships beyond the boundaries and assumptions they may encounter at home. “I think words are too little to describe the last four weeks,” said Michael. “This month we became a family. I was talking with Derin, and I told him it feels like we are packing to go to vacation, not home.” “I want to thank Mr. Adrian for hosting us and being part of our destiny in this trip,” said Darin. “You are very hard working and care about us. I am very grateful for you taking us to San Antonio trip, for your work, and giving us opportunities to meet wonderful people…I wish to mature up and become a person like you one day who helps everyone like you do.” Adrian said the friendships formed through CFP demonstrate that meaningful change often starts on a personal level. “Peace doesn’t begin with governments or political agreements,” Adrian said. “Sometimes, it begins with a conversation, a friendship, and the willingness to see another person as a human being rather than as a representative of ‘the other side.’” He added that he is grateful for the friendships and perspectives the students brought into his life. “I will carry their stories, their friendship, and what I learned from them with me for a very long time,” Adrian said. ETCOG is proud to recognize Adrian’s commitment to service and his willingness to share both his home and workplace with students participating in this important exchange for peace.