The Johnson County Senior Services has served seniors in the area for the past 45 years. The organization is hosting an open house to celebrate the milestone and the agency’s supporters on Friday.
DAILY JOURNAL FILE PHOTO
For the past 45 years, one Johnson County agency has made caring for seniors its foremost priority.
Volunteers with Johnson County Senior Services have made sure older adults get to the doctor and other appointments if they don’t have transportation. For people who need wheelchairs, walkers, shower seats or other equipment, the organization ensures they get it.
A food pantry provides seniors with food if they can’t afford it.
Their services are needed now, more than ever.
“It means everything for the people we serve. Without us, honestly, they would perish. That’s not being dramatic — we’re their only vessel of hope to get to life-saving treatment, to get food delivered to their doors whenever they need it, to get a word of encouragement,” said Kimberly Smith, executive director of Johnson County Senior Services.
In celebration of its 45th anniversary, Johnson County Senior Services is thanking the community in general with a special open house. From 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, people can come to the organization’s New Whiteland home and enjoy food, dessert, prize drawings and other activities.
Guests will have the chance to share their thoughts about Johnson County Senior Services in a short video, which will be used as the agency kids off a fundraising campaign to raise $45,000 in 45 days.
“It’s imperative we thank the individuals who have truly impacted this amazing generation, because so many of them are suffering in silence,” Smith said. “And so many have contributed to their well-being over the past 45 years. So this is a simple way to thank them.”
The open house will have a celebratory air as staff, volunteers and supporters look back at the past. But the party belies the vital work Johnson County Senior Services does, and the difficulties facing older adults moving forward.
“The saddest part is seeing the astronomical growth of people in need in our county. And we know that number is only going to continue to maximize,” Smith said.
Johnson County Senior Services was formed in 1979 to supplement existing senior centers in individual communities. Their focus was meeting the economic, transportation and medical needs of local seniors.
Those areas remain the bedrock of the agency’s services — even if now they serve thousands more people than in 1979.
That work wouldn’t be possible without the countless individuals, donors, sponsors, volunteers, community partners, local government officials, faith community, companies, team members and more who support seniors, Smith said. The open house is a way to thank you.
“Seniors continue to be the most underfunded, underserved, and most vulnerable and unappreciated demographic throughout our county and beyond,” Smith said. “Our hearts overflow with eminence gratitude to every single person who has contributed in any way for over four decades. It means far more to the older adults in our community than one can possibly imagine.”
A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 11:30 a.m., with Johnson County Commissioner Ron West and Franklin Mayor Steve Barnett to make comments.
Visitors to Johnson County Senior Services can enjoy complimentary food from Chick-fil-A, as well as a wealth of other goodies. The Tin Willow, a refurbished horse trailer that now serves as a traveling food and beverage station, will provide desserts. People can also pick up free eclipse glasses in advance of Monday’s total solar eclipse.
Life Vantage Farms and McQualla Carriages will have Lily, a “unicorn,” available for photos with guests. People can also pick up complimentary new books for themselves and a friend.
Door prizes donated by community partners add to the festive atmosphere, and becauseOne, a platform giving nonprofit organizations the ability to clearly communicate their needs to the community, is joining in offering people the chance to win a gift donated by Village Caregiving.
People can park across the street from the agency’s headquarters at Break-O-Day Elementary, and a shuttle bus will take people to the open house.
In addition to celebrating the past 45 years, the open house kicks off a fundraising campaign to support Johnson County Senior Services. $45,000 in 45 Days is an effort to raise needed dollars.
People are invited to share some words on video about what Johnson County Senior Services means.
“Those will be shown over the 45 days of the campaign. Some of those might be clients, they could be community partners. Some are government officials. It’s just a wide host of individuals sharing a few seconds about the agency,” Smith said.
Donations may be made via PayPal through the Johnson County Senior Services website jcseniorservices.org. Checks may also be sent to Johnson County Senior Services 36 W. 600 N. Whiteland, IN 46184.
IF YOU GO
Johnson County Senior Services 45th-anniversary open house
What: A community celebration recognizing supporters over the past 45 years, featuring food, dessert, door prizes, photo opportunities and more.
When: 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Friday; a ribbon cutting will be at 11:30.
Where: 36 W. CR 600 N., Whiteland
How to help: The open house also helps kick off the agency’s $45,000 in 45 days fundraising campaign. Donations may be made via PayPal through the Johnson County Senior Services website www.jcseniorservices.org. Checks may also be sent to Johnson County Senior Services, 36 W. CR 600 N., Whiteland, IN 46184.
