04/06/2026
🚨PRESS RELEASE🚨
For Immediate Release
Area Agency on Aging of West Central Arkansas and Friendship Community Care Announce Collaborative Transition of Senior Activity Center Operations
Russellville, AR — April 6, 2026
The Area Agency on Aging of West Central Arkansas (AAA) and Friendship Community Care (Friendship) announced today that the two organizations have met to formally discuss Friendship’s decision to transition out of its role as subcontractor managing four Senior Activity Centers serving Pope, Yell, and Johnson Counties. Both organizations are working collaboratively to ensure a smooth, responsible, and participant-focused transition.
In Arkansas, Area Agencies on Aging are the federally designated entities responsible for carrying out the requirements of the Older Americans Act (OAA), including the provision and oversight of services that support older adults in maintaining health, dignity, and independence. Friendship has partnered with AAA as its subcontractor for the past 25 years, helping operate and manage the Senior Activity Centers in these three counties.
“Friendship has been a valued partner for more than two decades,” said Barbara Flowers, Executive Director for AAA. “We appreciate their long-standing service to older adults in our region and their commitment to working closely with us during this transition. Our shared goal is clear: to protect continuity of services and support the well-being of every participant.”
“The past quarter century of service by Friendship Community Care in operating the Pope County Senior Activity Center has been a proven partnership that has served our seniors well, said Pope County Judge Ben Cross. “The passing of the torch to the Area Agency on Aging this summer should also prove to be a seamless transition, as both entities have committed to ensuring no interruption in services. I appreciate the dedication of the many FCC employees who have poured their hearts into decades of service at our center, and I look forward to the Area Agency on Aging continuing the mission of keeping our patrons active, healthy, and engaged.”
Friendship recently informed AAA of its intent to transition out of the contract due to funding challenges—including reductions and delays associated with federal budget interruptions and government shutdowns—combined with rising operational costs.
“Our mission has always centered on serving individuals across the lifespan with developmental and intellectual disabilities,” said Angela Traweek, Chief Executive Officer of Friendship Community Care. “After meeting with AAA leadership, we are aligned in our commitment to ensure that seniors in Pope, Yell, and Johnson Counties continue receiving the high-quality services they deserve. We deeply value the partnership we’ve had for 25 years, and we are committed to a cooperative transition process.”
AAA and Friendship confirmed their shared priorities as transition planning begins focusing on the continuity of services, support of staff and transparency with communities and stakeholders.
Both organizations will continue working together throughout the 90-day transition period and will provide updates as more details are finalized.
