Today we’d like to introduce you to Aleta Scott.
Hi Aleta, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was raised by my grandparents, and from a young age I observed not only them, but the close-knit community of friends who shared their lives. Watching those relationships taught me the value of connection and the importance older adults bring to the lives of those around them. From them, I learned a lesson that has guided me ever since: to be happy in life is to be of service to others.
As my professional life led me to work closely with older adults, I began to see firsthand the challenges many seniors face—loneliness, isolation, and a growing sense that their wisdom and life experience are no longer valued by society. I had clients who would do everything they could to get me to stay just a little longer, not because they needed additional services, but because they were lonely. Those moments stayed with me and often brought me back to my grandparents and the simple guidance they lived by: *if you can help someone, just do it.*
One of the most memorable experiences involved a married couple, though they were just one of many individuals and families who recognized they needed help but didn’t know where to turn. The wife was in the early stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia, and her husband was her sole caregiver. As her condition progressed, she became verbally abusive toward him. Overwhelmed and exhausted, he reached out to me for help finding a residential community where they could both receive support. Friends later expressed concern that the husband himself was beginning to show signs of mental decline. Though they were together, they were profoundly alone—neither able to provide the level of care the other needed. I was able to help connect them with a facility where they could receive appropriate support, but the experience stayed with me.
Research confirms what I witnessed firsthand: loneliness and social isolation significantly increase the risk of mental and emotional health challenges. After years of reflection and careful consideration, I decided to do what I knew I could.
Helping Seniors Thrive (HST) was originally launched in 2021 as a for-profit entity. During a year-long pilot, it became clear that while our services were needed across many communities, cost could be a barrier for some of the seniors who needed support the most. From the beginning, my goal has been to serve *any* senior who needs us, regardless of income or zip code. To ensure our services remained widely available while also accessible to those facing financial limitations, we made the intentional decision to restructure.
In 2024, Helping Seniors Thrive (HST) relaunched as a nonprofit organization. This transition allows us to leverage grants and donations to expand access and reduce financial barriers where needed, while continuing to offer services to individuals who are able to pay for them. Community support plays a vital role in helping us fulfill our mission and reach more seniors with meaningful connection, education, and care.
At the heart of Helping Seniors Thrive (HST) is our companionship program, which brings us directly into the homes of our members. We build genuine relationships by engaging in conversation, playing board games, going for walks, preparing meals, helping with light chores, and doing whatever we can to ensure seniors feel seen, valued, and cared for. We also host in-person and virtual events that provide educational and informational programming, as well as themed social gatherings designed to foster connection—through dancing, brain teasers, and activities that encourage new friendships. Health fairs with screenings further support seniors’ overall well-being, and as we grow, we plan to expand our reach beyond the two counties we currently serve.
My professional background prepared me for this work in meaningful ways. I spent ten years in hotel management, where I was largely responsible for guest satisfaction and led the hiring, training, and supervision of front office staff. That experience taught me how to lead with empathy, respond to individual needs, and create environments where people feel welcomed and cared for.
As a certified financial educator and licensed financial professional, I later spent twenty years in financial services, where my work centered on educating seniors about Medicare and empowering them to make informed decisions about their coverage. Through one-on-one guidance and community-based programming, I also led financial literacy and Medicare education workshops designed to help individuals better understand choices that directly affect their health and financial stability. I partnered with senior communities, churches, and nonprofit organizations throughout the city to deliver these programs.
The greatest challenge in launching Helping Seniors Thrive was stepping into a role where the responsibility extended well beyond traditional business hours. In my previous roles, I was deeply invested in the people I served, but leadership and accountability were shared. With HST, the responsibility is personal and ongoing—a reality that was both intimidating and motivating.
Our first major event affirmed that decision. With more than 300 registrants and approximately 150 attendees, and with H-E-B serving as our title sponsor, the energy in the room was unmistakable. Seniors were engaged, connected, and joyful—and that is exactly why Helping Seniors Thrive exists.
Helping Seniors Thrive is my way of honoring the lessons my grandparents taught me and ensuring that seniors are not forgotten, but supported, connected, and given the opportunity to truly thrive.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road—but it has been a meaningful one. Building something rooted in service comes with challenges, uncertainty, and a lot of learning along the way. There have been moments of doubt, but each challenge has reinforced why this work matters and strengthened my commitment to the seniors we serve.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in service-driven support for seniors, shaped by a lifetime of working with people and caring deeply about their experience. From overseeing guest satisfaction and leading teams in hotel management, to addressing clients’ needs in financial services, my work has always centered on listening, problem-solving, and service. Today, that same foundation guides my work with seniors—combining practical education and advocacy with genuine connection, dignity, and care.
What sets me apart is that this work is deeply personal. I don’t just understand the challenges seniors face professionally—I’ve seen them up close, in living rooms, at kitchen tables, and in moments of quiet loneliness. Helping Seniors Thrive was built from real experiences and real relationships, and that keeps our work grounded, compassionate, and responsive.
What does success mean to you?
Success, to me, is making a meaningful difference in someone’s life. It’s measured in trust built, connections formed, and the quiet moments when someone knows they’re not alone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://helpingseniorsthrive.org/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/helpingseniorsthrive/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/helpingseniorsthrive.org
