Learning lessons on how to serve the elderly and putting that information into action have been among the latest activities by Project IMPACT, an initiative by Arkansas Tech University Department of Behavioral Sciences students.
Jenny Riley, senior companion program director for the Area Agency on Aging of West Central Arkansas, spoke to members of the ATU chapters of Alpha Kappa Delta sociology honor society and Alpha Phi Sigma criminal justice honor society. Riley provided the ATU students with information about services for older adults, legal and policy trends, internships, volunteer opportunities and careers serving the elderly.
The ATU students returned the favor by collecting more than 200 personal care items and $200 in gift cards and donating them to the Area Agency on Aging of West Central Arkansas. The effort was part of Project IMPACT’s ongoing Pathways to Care initiative.
“This semester, Project IMPACT is focusing on issues related to aging and end-of-life care issues, with plans to expand service efforts to additional community partners,” said Dr. Jason Ulsperger, ATU professor of sociology and advisor for Alpha Kappa Delta and Alpha Phi Sigma. “Students also designed educational handouts addressing 2026 Medicare changes for the Area Agency on Aging to distribute to the populations it serves.”
Project IMPACT presented Riley with its 2026 Community Impact Award in recognition of her efforts on behalf of older adults in the Arkansas River Valley.
Riley is an ATU alumna with degrees in sociology and psychology.
“The goodie baskets, personal notes and gift cards will have a meaningful impact on our most vulnerable clients,” said Riley. “Many of our aging adults experience isolation, and a message written just for them will truly touch their hearts in ways that go far beyond the material gifts.”
Send e-mail to julsperger@atu.edu to learn more about Alpha Kappa Delta, Alpha Phi Sigma, Project IMPACT and their activities.
Learn more about the ATU Department of Behavioral Sciences at www.atu.edu/humanities/behaviorsci.
