For the past 45 years, Johnson County Senior Services has been a cornerstone of support for older adults in Johnson County. Established in 1979, the organization has tirelessly worked to improve the quality of life for seniors, providing essential services that help them maintain their independence, dignity, and well-being. From free door-to-door transportation to food delivery and medical equipment assistance, Johnson County Senior Services continues to be a lifeline for thousands of older adults in the community.
Life-Saving Transportation Services
One of the most crucial services provided by Johnson County Senior Services is its Door-to-Door wheelchair-accessible transportation program. As the only free transportation service of its kind in the county, this program is vital for seniors who need to attend life-saving treatments, as well as medical and non-medical activities. This service ensures that seniors remain connected to the care they need.
Combating Food Insecurity
In addition to transportation, Johnson County Senior Services is deeply committed to fighting food insecurity among older adults. The organization operates a food pantry that not only stocks food items and personal products, but also delivers these essentials directly to the homes of food-insecure seniors. This service is especially critical for seniors who are homebound or have limited mobility. The pantry also supports emergency food pantries, senior living communities, senior centers and other locations across the county. This outreach ensures that seniors have access to the nutrition and hygiene products they need to maintain their health and dignity.
A Broad Spectrum of Support
Beyond transportation and food assistance, Johnson County Senior Services offers a range of other programs designed to meet the diverse needs of older adults. The Durable Medical Equipment program provides seniors with free access to essential items such as wheelchairs, walkers, shower seats and incontinence supplies, helping them maintain their independence and quality of life.
The Seniors Still Believe Christmas program is another heartwarming initiative. Each holiday season this program brings joy by delivering gifts to over 3,400 seniors, many of whom might otherwise spend the holidays alone. The PAWSitivity Pet program, launched in partnership with Johnson County Animal Control, provides pet food and supplies to seniors, ensuring that their beloved pets are well-cared for even during difficult times.
Community Engagement and Events
Johnson County Senior Services also plays a vital role in community engagement, hosting a variety of events and fundraisers throughout the year. The quarterly Johnson County Aging in Action event focuses on enhancing the quality of life for older adults, while the annual Johnson County Senior Summit brings together seniors and community leaders to discuss issues affecting the elderly population.
One of the organization’s signature fundraisers is the Decade of Dining in the Dark event, which will be held on October 30, 2024. This unique event raises awareness and funds for the many programs offered by Johnson County Senior Services, ensuring that they can continue to provide vital support to the county’s senior residents.
Get Involved
For more information about the services, events and volunteer opportunities at Johnson County Senior Services, interested individuals can contact Kimberly Smith, executive director, at kimberlysmith@jcseniorservices.org, or by calling 317-738-4544.
Johnson County Senior Services remains committed to its mission of enhancing the lives of older adults, ensuring that they receive the care, support and respect they deserve.
