Spring Hill, Tennessee — The 21st Annual Adult Abuse Coalition Conference, presented by the South Central Tennessee Adult Abuse Coalition, brought together social workers, case managers, long-term care professionals, advocates, and community partners for a day focused on education, awareness, and advocacy for vulnerable adults across the region.
Attendees of the Adult Abuse Coalition Conference
Adult Abuse Coalition Conference held in Spring Hill, TN.
The coalition, funded through the South Central Tennessee Development District, is a collaborative effort between:
- South Central TN Area Agency on Aging & Disability
- The Legal Aid Society of Middle TN and the Cumberlands
- Adult Protective Services Division of the TN Department of Human Services
The coalition currently includes 37 active members representing more than 21 agencies throughout South Central Tennessee.
More than 150 attendees participated in this year’s conference alongside 27 sponsors supporting the event and its mission of continuing education and advocacy for vulnerable adults.
Thomas Dismukes, Keynote Speaker
The conference opened with keynote speaker Thomas Dismukes, who energized the room with an interactive presentation that had attendees on their feet while emphasizing the importance of balance — both literally and professionally.
Attorneys Rae Anne Smith and Elizabeth Duke then guided attendees through a legal training session focused on the Tennessee Adult Protection Act, providing valuable insight into protections and responsibilities surrounding vulnerable adults.
Elizabeth Duke also reflected on the value of the coalition’s continued collaboration, saying, “Being a part of this network allows us to build support and better educate ourselves for those we represent.”
Rae Ann Smith, Legal Aid Society, Panelist
Deena Alexander of SCTDD led an engaging chair yoga session, while Glynis D. Smith and Marcus Houston discussed fraud prevention, warning signs, and ways professionals can help educate and protect the communities they serve.
Marcus Houston, First Farmers & Merchants Bank
The conference also featured a resource panel with representatives from the South Central Tennessee Development District, South Central Human Resource Agency, Maury County Veterans Service Office, and the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands. Panelists shared information on available programs, services, and resources designed to assist vulnerable adults, seniors, veterans, caregivers, and families throughout the region.
The conference concluded with Danny Fay of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation presenting on situational awareness, an especially important topic for many professionals who conduct home visits and community outreach.
Andrea Brown emphasized the importance of ongoing training and professional development, stating, “If we were in the same place we were 5–10 years ago, we would be very outdated.”
Countryside Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Sponsor
A heartfelt “Thank You” to all of our dedicated sponsors!
Platinum Sponsors:
- Countryside Healthcare
- South Central Human Resource Agency
- Tennessee Federation on Aging
Gold Sponsors:
- Tennessee Senior Medical Patrol
- Wellpoint
- Tennessee Department oof Commerce and Insurance
- NHC Homecare
- First Farmers & Merchants Bank
- VRI
- Unity Psychiatric
Silver Sponsors:
- Meadowbrook Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center
- Senior Helpers
- Quality First Homecare
- Arden Hospice
- Waynesboro Post Acute & Rehabilitation
- BlueCare TN
- Buffalo River Services
- Springview Compassionate Care
- Manchester/Coffee Co Senior Center
- South Central Area Transit (SCATS)
- Safe at Home
- Volunteer Hospice
- Middle Tennessee Law Group
Other Sponsors:
- Drink Sponsor – A+ Medical
- Breakfast Sponsor – NHC HomeCare
- Lunch Sponsor – SCHRA
- Break Sponsor – SCHRA
- Conference Bag Sponsor – AARP
View all conference photos here: https://adobe.ly/4niO2Rh
Media Contact:
Sydney Brewer, Marketing & Communications Director
sbrewer@sctdd.org
