The Upper Cumberland Adult Abuse Coalition is proud to announce its 15th annual Upper Cumberland Vulnerable Adult Summit, an event made even more special as it coincides with the 20th anniversary of the coalition’s establishment. This vital summit will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Putnam County Convention Center in Cookeville.

This year’s summit celebrates two decades of dedicated service by the coalition in addressing the complex issues facing vulnerable adults in the Upper Cumberland region. The agenda will feature comprehensive discussions on critical topics including abuse, financial exploitation, mental health challenges, social isolation, and other pressing concerns affecting this population.

The Upper Cumberland Vulnerable Adult Summit is a crucial educational and networking opportunity for professionals and the public alike. Targeted attendees include attorneys, law enforcement officers, medical staff, elected officials, social workers, ombudsmen, conservators, adult protective services personnel, district attorneys, financial institutions, post office employees, in-home service providers, senior centers, advocates, caregivers, and college students majoring in criminal justice, sociology, nursing, and gerontology. Members of the general public are also strongly encouraged to attend to gain valuable insights and understanding.

This year’s esteemed lineup of speakers and presenters includes:

  • Danny Faye, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI)
  • Keita Cole, TN Department of Disability & Aging (DDA)
  • Keynote Speaker: Blaine Little, presenting on “Perception, Power, and Professionalism”
  • Michelle Parrott, UT Extension of Putnam County
  • Panelists: Holly Montooth & Jacklyn Medley (UCHRA Transportation), Anne Stamps (Volunteer Behavioral Health), Marsha Gibbons (YMCA), Sean Ledden (Caption Call), Kathryn Wisinger (Putnam County Library), and Jayne Guy (White County Senior Center).

The cost to attend the summit is $40, which includes lunch and refreshing breaks. For professionals seeking to further their credentials, Continuing Education and Legal Credits are available for an additional $20.

Attendee registration is required by Thursday, July 31. Interested individuals can find registration details and additional contact information by visiting www.ucdd.org.

The Upper Cumberland Adult Abuse Coalition hosts this conference in collaboration with Avalon Center, Alzheimer’s Tennessee Cumberlands, Ascension Saint Thomas Highlands, Life Care Center of Crossville, Smile on 65+, Addus HomeCare, A+ Medical, Quality Home Health, Senior Solutions Home Care, TN Dept of Commerce & Insurance, TN Dept of Health, TN Dept of Human Services – Adult Protective Services, Senior Medicare Patrol, Volunteer Behavioral Health, and TN Association of Area Agencies on Aging and Disability.

Join the Upper Cumberland Adult Abuse Coalition to commemorate 20 years of dedication and to gain essential knowledge that empowers our community to better protect and support vulnerable adults.

Click here to register and reserve your spot.