It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Ball-Eddleman-Mc Farland-House gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Fort Worth, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Great place to work for. Great Boss and Ladies in Office. Been working for”
“I was blessed to find this job two weeks ago. I have met wonderful people”
“We were so happy with Always Best Care. They took great car of my parents”
“Everyone in their office is knowledgeable and have gone above and beyond to answer all”
“Great environment for growth and great team!”
“I have been with the company like almost 3years but the staff is wonderful n”
“I love Always Best Care they are an awesome company to work for, The name”
“Great service”
“Dear Mr. Gardner, I am writing to express my gratitude for the commitment and service”
“Everyone is so loving and caring not just the client but the whole family...as well”
“Always Best Care provides a needed service, not just to elderly clients but to their”
“Best place to work. My coworkers are caring, compassionate and ready to step in at”
“Great Staff with Great Hearts... Always Best Care Senior Services”
“Everyone is so loving and caring not just the client but the whole family...as well”
“Great Staff with Great Hearts... Always Best Care Senior Services”
“Always Best Care provides a needed service, not just to elderly clients but to their”
“Great place to work for. Great Boss and Ladies in Office. Been working for almost 4yrs in September this year. They help out when ask.”
“I was blessed to find this job two weeks ago. I have met wonderful people during my tenure here so far. All of the staff has been welcoming and truly make me feel like family. I have never felt more appreciated. This is a five star company!!”
“We were so happy with Always Best Care. They took great car of my parents for over 2 years. Very professional care givers. The staff loves working for the company and the owner takes great care of them. If ever needed we would use their services again.”
“Everyone in their office is knowledgeable and have gone above and beyond to answer all of my questions. They definitely have the heart for caring for the elderly and experts in placement.”
“Great environment for growth and great team!”
“I have been with the company like almost 3years but the staff is wonderful n caring they go out and beyond for there clients .”
“I love Always Best Care they are an awesome company to work for, The name speaks for itself because always we give the best care for each of our patients...I love the staffs and the patients I have been working for Always Best Care 5 years and not one regret. ????”
“Great service”
“Dear Mr. Gardner, I am writing to express my gratitude for the commitment and service of your employee, Shameka Kelly. Through your agency, Ms. Kelly was connected to our family to serve as a caregiver for my sister Victoria who was in the late states of ALS/Lou Gehrigs disease and required 24-hr. care at home. Shameka served as full-time caregiver under the direction of Victorias husband Ron, who was able to keep my sister at home until her passing this past March. This catastrophic and incurable disease rendered my sister completely paralyzed wheelchair bound, unable to speak, bathe, eat or even lift a finger to do anything for herself. Shameka did what most caregivers would not or simply could not do because of the stamina and patience required to care for Victoria. Before Shameka, we hired a multitude of caregivers who came and went sometimes only after one day because of how strenuous and taxing being a caregiver to my sister was. Day after day, Shameka arrived for the job with a smile on her face and the patience and commitment to go with it. My sister Victoria grew to love Shameka, as we all have. It was a great comfort to us because we knew that if Shameka was on duty, my sister was in good hands. Shamekas character, integrity, humor, honesty and professionalism are beyond reproach. She is an extremely caring individual who is always upbeat, optimistic, and patient. She was an answer to prayer for our family and became more than a caregiver she became part of our family. She has my highest recommendation for any task or client that may be placed before her. And we will be forever grateful. Kindest regards, Pamela Meek North Richland Hills, TX”
“Everyone is so loving and caring not just the client but the whole family...as well as their staff...it is just the one to choose... Always best care. Means always you get the best..and they are it.”
“Always Best Care provides a needed service, not just to elderly clients but to their families as well. When you need someone to sit with your ailing relative, call Always Best Care. They will work with you to provide the service you need at a price that you can afford. Their caregivers are experienced and will treat your family as though they were "their" family member. Don't miss going to work or have anxiety attacks because you need someone to care for your parents, take them to their medical appointments, or simply spend a few hours during the day making sure that they are safe, fed, groomed, had their meds, and maybe even have someone to play a little chess with. Call Always Best Care!! They are awe-some!”
“Best place to work. My coworkers are caring, compassionate and ready to step in at any moment to help. It's not a job when you love what you do. It's a calling.”
“Great Staff with Great Hearts... Always Best Care Senior Services”
“Everyone is so loving and caring not just the client but the whole family...as well as their staff...it is just the one to choose... Always best care. Means always you get the best..and they are it.”
“Great Staff with Great Hearts... Always Best Care Senior Services”
“Always Best Care provides a needed service, not just to elderly clients but to their families as well. When you need someone to sit with your ailing relative, call Always Best Care. They will work with you to provide the service you need at a price that you can afford. Their caregivers are experienced and will treat your family as though they were "their" family member. Don't miss going to work or have anxiety attacks because you need someone to care for your parents, take them to their medical appointments, or simply spend a few hours during the day making sure that they are safe, fed, groomed, had their meds, and maybe even have someone to play a little chess with. Call Always Best Care!! They are awe-some!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Trinity Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Bonnell's Fine Texas Cuisine or visit Hells Half Acre, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Fort Worth, TX, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Fort Worth, TX understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Fort Worth, TX 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Texas has a plethora of trails to cross, mountains to climb and sights to see.While you will see plenty of people outdoors, you will may also contend with a high number of critters on your hike. Chief among the trail dwellers are snakes, which are plentiful in Texas.Say you’re walking and a fanged friend takes a bite out of your leg. You reach for your phone to call for help, but to no avail — all you s...
Texas has a plethora of trails to cross, mountains to climb and sights to see.
While you will see plenty of people outdoors, you will may also contend with a high number of critters on your hike. Chief among the trail dwellers are snakes, which are plentiful in Texas.
Say you’re walking and a fanged friend takes a bite out of your leg. You reach for your phone to call for help, but to no avail — all you see is “no service” atop your screen.
How can you call for help with no cell service? Here’s what to know.
? More trending stories from our newsroom:
→What's the difference between TX law enforcement and the National Guard?
→Can you get in trouble for not slowing down in a work zone in Texas?
→How to stay safe at Texas protests
Yes, there’s a way to send an SOS with certain smartphones.
Users with the iPhone 14, 15 or 16 are able to contact emergency services via satellite, according to Apple. Earlier iPhone models below a 14 are not able to use this function. Here’s how it works:
After the emergency call ends, the iPhone will alert your emergency contacts with a text message, according to Apple. The iPhone will also send your current location for a period of time to your emergency contacts.
For Android users, you will need to have the Android 12 operating software to make an emergency call with no service.
Users can setup emergency SOS by opening the settings app and clicking on the “safety and emergency” tab. You will then find instructions on how to setup the service, according to Google. Here’s how it works:
Texas is home to more than 105 different snake species and subspecies. Of that number, only 15 snakes are considered dangerous to humans, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife.
Despite more than a dozen dangerous snakes, the department says lightning strikes cause more deaths in Texas than venomous snake bites. This is due to an increasing awareness of snakes around the state, along with improved first aid and medical practices.
Some of the most venomous snakes found in Texas are copperheads, cottonmouths and rattlesnakes. Venom from these snakes are certainly harmful to humans, but most of the time are rarely fatal.
Here are a few tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
Here are a few things you shouldn’t do after a snake bite:
You’re feeling under the weather at work and decide to visit your doctor.After getting the all-clear and heading back to work, your boss asks you for a doctor’s note. You mention that you were unaware of needing a doctor’s note, to which your boss says they are legally allowed to ask employees for one.Are Texas employers legally allowed to ask employees for a doctor’s note? Here’s what to know.? More trending stories from our newsroom:→...
You’re feeling under the weather at work and decide to visit your doctor.
After getting the all-clear and heading back to work, your boss asks you for a doctor’s note. You mention that you were unaware of needing a doctor’s note, to which your boss says they are legally allowed to ask employees for one.
Are Texas employers legally allowed to ask employees for a doctor’s note? Here’s what to know.
? More trending stories from our newsroom:
→What's the difference between TX law enforcement and the National Guard?
→Can you get in trouble for not slowing down in a work zone in Texas?
→How to stay safe at Texas protests
Yes, Texas employers can ask for a doctor’s note, but can’t ask for further medical information.
For example, an employer can ask for a doctor’s note or other information as it relates to sick leave, workers’ compensation, wellness programs or health insurance, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
However, an employer can not ask the health care provider for more information about a patient without their authorization.
It depends on the employer.
The Texas Employer Guidebook (created by the Texas Workforce Commission) recommends employer’s “try to achieve a sensible balance.”
“Most companies do not require an actual doctor’s note for simple one- or two-day absences for things like 24-hour “bugs,” but do require them if the employee claims to have seen a doctor,” the guidebook states.
Furthermore, the guidebook says employers have the right to ask an employee to explain the reason for an absence.
If the reason is something that is normally documentable, like a doctor’s visit, the employer has the right to require employee documentation. However, that’s as much as they’re allowed to ask.
“There is no need to get specific, though, about confidential or private matters, so do not insist on specific medical information or similar things,” the guidebook states.
This story was originally published June 16, 2025 at 12:28 PM.
Juneteenth is this Thursday. Several events are being held across North Texas to commemorate the day slaves in Texas learned that they had been freed.Opal's Walk for FreedomOpal Lee back in Fort Worth after hospitalizationOpal Lee, the grandmother of Juneteenth, is back in Fort Worth after being admitted to the hospital in Ohio.Opal Lee, the Grandmother of Juneteenth, wi...
Juneteenth is this Thursday. Several events are being held across North Texas to commemorate the day slaves in Texas learned that they had been freed.
Opal Lee, the grandmother of Juneteenth, is back in Fort Worth after being admitted to the hospital in Ohio.
Opal Lee, the Grandmother of Juneteenth, will take part in her annual 2.5-mile walk to recognize the two and a half years it took for the news of emancipation to reach the enslaved people of Texas.
Lee campaigned for Juneteenth to be named a federal holiday and attended the then-President Biden's signing of the Juneteenth Independence Day Act.
The walk will begin at Farrington Field in Fort Worth.
Lee, 98, was recently hospitalized. She still plans to participate in the walk from a golf cart.
The only known original copy of Juneteenth General Order No. 3, a pivotal document symbolizing the end of slavery in Texas, will be publicly exhibited at Fair Park's Hall of State in Dallas starting June 19.
The only known remaining, the original Juneteenth General Order No. 3, will go on exhibit at Fair Park's Hall of State on June 19.
The Dallas historical society says their founder, a Galveston newspaperman, G.B. Dealey, brought this original copy of General Order No. 3 to Dallas, when he moved here from Galveston to start the Dallas Morning News.
Executive director, Karl Chiao, says Dealey's family donated the hand bill to the historical society in the 1960's.
The exhibit will be open to the public, starting with a panel discussion here on Thursday, June 19 at 6:30 pm.
A celebration will also be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum will have free admission on Thursday.
There will be programming throughout the day, including speakers, tours, film screenings and more.
The Juneteenth Golf Classic, presented by the Dallas Mavericks, looks to uplift the Dallas community by promoting Black-owned businesses through golf.
Golf Club of Dallas is the city's only Black-owned golf course.
Morney Berry Farm has been the site of Juneteenth celebrations for more than 30 years.
Former slaves James and Kathy Morney purchased the farm in 1876.
Organizers say there will be live music, performances and food.
Ambassador Andrew Young will speak at IM Terrell High School in Fort Worth on Juneteenth.
Young, a key strategist during the Civil Rights Movement, helped lead efforts like the marches in Selma and Montgomery.
A concert will also be held at Bass Performance Hall.
A documentary-style film will premiere at the Lewisville Grand Theater.
The movie tells the story of the Hembry and Champion families.
The city says the film will focus on the contributions of Black families who shaped Lewsiville's foundation.
Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 enslaved people in Galveston, Texas found out they had been freed.
Although President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation freed the slaves in 1863, it could not be enforced in many places in the South until the Civil War ended in 1865. Even then, some white people who had profited from their unpaid labor were reluctant to share the news.
Laura Smalley, freed from a plantation near Bellville, Texas, remembered in a 1941 interview that the man she referred to as "old master" came home from fighting in the Civil War and didn’t tell the people he enslaved what had happened.
"Old master didn’t tell, you know, they was free," Smalley said. "I think now they say they worked them, six months after that. Six months. And turn them loose on the 19th of June. That’s why, you know, we celebrate that day."
News that the war had ended and they were free finally reached Galveston when Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger and his troops arrived in the Gulf Coast city on June 19, 1865, more than two months after Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union Gen. Ulysses S. Grant in Virginia.
Granger delivered General Order No. 3, which said: "The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor."
Slavery was permanently abolished six months later, when Georgia ratified the 13th Amendment. And the next year, the now-free people of Galveston started celebrating Juneteenth, an observance that has continued and spread around the world. Events include concerts, parades and readings of the Emancipation Proclamation.
It’s a blend of the words June and nineteenth. The holiday has also been called Juneteenth Independence Day, Freedom Day, second Independence Day and Emancipation Day.
It began with church picnics and speeches, and spread as Black Texans moved elsewhere.
Sign up for essential news for the Fort Worth area. Delivered to your inbox — completely free.Argent Trust Company, a leading independent client asset services firm, announced today the addition of two seasoned financial professionals to its North Texas team. Konrad S. Halbert has been named North Texas regional executive, and Aubrey K. Gideon, CTFA, has joined as vice president and senior trust officer, both based in the company&rsquo...
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Argent Trust Company, a leading independent client asset services firm, announced today the addition of two seasoned financial professionals to its North Texas team. Konrad S. Halbert has been named North Texas regional executive, and Aubrey K. Gideon, CTFA, has joined as vice president and senior trust officer, both based in the company’s Dallas office. Halbert reports to David Redding, Texas regional executive and market president of Argent Trust Company, while Gideon reports to Halbert.
“We are excited to welcome Konrad and Aubrey to the Argent family,” said Redding. “Each brings a powerful blend of leadership experience, wealth management expertise and deep client relationships in the North Texas market. They further strengthen our ability to provide exceptional fiduciary and wealth services across the region.”
With more than 25 years of experience in trust and wealth management, Halbert leads client service and business development across North Texas. He brings immense expertise in estate planning, fiduciary administration and relationship management for high-net-worth individuals, families and institutions.
Before joining Argent, Halbert served as regional president and Fort Worth office trust manager for First Financial Trust & Asset Management Company, overseeing the East Region, including offices in Fort Worth, Houston, Beaumont and Bryan/College Station. He also held senior leadership roles as executive vice president and senior vice president and founded the firm’s Fort Worth office in 2005.
He holds both an undergraduate degree and an MBA in finance from Texas Christian University (TCU), where he was recognized as a Graduate School of Business Scholar. Halbert served more than a decade as an adjunct finance professor at TCU’s M.J. Neeley School of Business. He is deeply involved in the industry and the community, currently serving as chairman of the board for Alliance for Children and chairman-elect of the Texas Bankers Association Trust & Wealth Management State Advisory Council.
“Everyone at Argent has spoken about the ‘Argent family’ — and they really back that up,” said Halbert. “The leadership genuinely cares about its people and allocates resources to help employees thrive. I appreciate the firm’s entrepreneurial spirit and independent structure, which allows each office to make local decisions and grow its markets strategically. My vision is for Argent to become the premier destination for trust and wealth management in North Texas.”
Gideon, CTFA, brings more than 17 years of experience in banking, trust and investment management. She offers a strategic, client-focused approach to complex estate planning, trust administration and high-net-worth relationship management. Her specialties include ultra-high-net-worth estate plans, charitable trusts, special needs trusts and retirement account administration.
Prior to joining Argent, Gideon served as senior vice president and trust officer at First Financial Trust and as director of operations at Tailwind Advisors. She holds an MBA from Texas Christian University and graduated with honors with a BBA in accounting from Tarleton State University. In addition to being a Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA), she is a graduate of both the Texas Bankers Association Trust School and Graduate Trust School and is a CFP candidate.
“I was drawn to Argent because of its professionalism, broad scope of service, and strong culture,” said Gideon. “I’m excited to be on board at a firm that offers such a long-term career opportunity. I believe in building lasting client relationships through good rapport, attention to detail, and thoroughness. The future at Argent is bright — and it’s going to be a fun ride.”
Notably, Halbert and Gideon are continuing a professional partnership that has spanned more than 16 years.
About Argent Financial Group Argent Financial Group (Argent) is a leading, independent client asset services firm offering individuals, families, businesses, and institutions wealth management, asset management, and asset servicing. The firm is responsible for more than $90 billion in client assets. Formed in 1990 in Ruston, Louisiana, Argent can trace its roots back to 1930. For more information, visit www.ArgentFinancial.com.
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Tagged: On the move
Argent Trust Company, a leading independent client asset services firm, announced today the addition of two seasoned financial professionals to its North Texas team — both of them TCU graduates.Konrad S. Halbert has been named North Texas regional executive, and Aubrey K. Gideon has joined as vice president and senior trust officer....
Argent Trust Company, a leading independent client asset services firm, announced today the addition of two seasoned financial professionals to its North Texas team — both of them TCU graduates.
Konrad S. Halbert has been named North Texas regional executive, and Aubrey K. Gideon has joined as vice president and senior trust officer.
Both will be based in the company's Dallas office.
Halbert will report to David Redding, Texas regional executive and market president of Argent Trust Company, while Gideon will report to Halbert.
"Each brings a powerful blend of leadership experience, wealth management expertise and deep client relationships in the North Texas market,” said Redding in a statement. “They further strengthen our ability to provide exceptional fiduciary and wealth services across the region."
Halbert has spent more than two decades working in trust and wealth management. In his new role, he will oversee client service and business development in North Texas, focusing on estate planning, fiduciary responsibilities, and managing relationships with high-net-worth clients.
Halbert has served as regional president and Fort Worth office trust manager for First Financial Trust & Asset Management Company, overseeing the East Region, including offices in Fort Worth, Houston, Beaumont, and Bryan/College Station. He also held senior leadership roles as executive vice president and senior vice president and founded the firm's Fort Worth office in 2005.
He holds both an undergraduate degree and an MBA in finance TCU, where he was recognized as a Graduate School of Business Scholar. Halbert served more than a decade as an adjunct finance professor at TCU's M.J. Neeley School of Business.
"Everyone at Argent has spoken about the 'Argent family' — and they really back that up," said Halbert. "The leadership genuinely cares about its people and allocates resources to help employees thrive. I appreciate the firm's entrepreneurial spirit and independent structure, which allows each office to make local decisions and grow its markets strategically. My vision is for Argent to become the premier destination for trust and wealth management in North Texas."
With 17 years in banking, trust, and investment management, Gideon focuses on estate planning and trust administration for high-net-worth clients. Her work often involves complex arrangements, including charitable and special needs trusts, as well as retirement accounts.
Previously, Gideon served as senior vice president and trust officer at First Financial Trust and as director of operations at Tailwind Advisors.
She earned an MBA from TCU and graduated with honors with a BBA in accounting from Tarleton State University. In addition to being a Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor, she is a graduate of both the Texas Bankers Association Trust School and Graduate Trust School and is a CFP candidate.
"The future at Argent is bright — and it's going to be a fun ride," Gideon said.
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