[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 127 (Thursday, October 12, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1750]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING JOHNSON & JOHNSON ACTIVITIES CENTER INC.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 11, 2000

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize Andrew and his 
wife DeMonica Johnson as they celebrate the grand opening of their new 
non-profit elder care facility in the 25th District of Texas. The 
Johnsons have named their center Johnson & Johnson Activities Inc., 
with emphasis on the word ``activities.'' The Johnsons' vision is to 
offer a place where senior citizens obtain more than just adult day 
care; they are offered a chance to continue to enjoy life and grow 
through participation in volunteer activities, and they can receive 
access to services to help overcome some of the obstacles that older 
Americans face.
  The Johnsons, who are members of the South Post Oak Baptist Church 
which also lies in my District, have designed Johnson & Johnson 
Activities Inc. to accommodate life in the new millennium. As people 
are living longer than ever, the Johnsons are offering an alternative 
for the thousands of seniors in our area who possess time, talent, and 
the inclination to share their gifts with the community. There are many 
opportunities for senior citizens to share their experience and 
expertise to help others, such as caring for latch-key children, aiding 
at-risk seniors and their caregivers, counseling small business owners 
and working in our national and local parks.
  In addition to offering a day activity program that includes 
volunteer activities, Johnson & Johnson will also provide rides for 
seniors to health care services; run errands; visit homebound seniors; 
counsel seniors on health, nutrition, legal and financial concerns; and 
serve as an ombudsman to resolve resident facility disputes and ensure 
the safety and well-being of residents.
  Just having a place for a caretaker to drop off a senior for a day 
can make all the difference. The Johnsons know first-hand what it is 
like to experience the exhaustion and helplessness that can accompany 
the noble duties of caring for an elderly friend or relative. Running 
errands, catching a child's ball game or recital, even paying bills can 
become impossible when a relative or loved one needs constant care. 
When Andrew Johnson's own mother needed him, he was there to help. But 
when he needed a day off to tend to his own life, there was nowhere for 
his mother to go. That is when the dream to open an adult day care and 
activities center began.
  Johnson & Johnson Activities is designed to assist individuals in 
acquiring and/or improving self-help and socialization skills. Mr. 
Speaker, I couldn't agree more with the Johnsons' premise that senior 
citizens have much to share and bestow on a community willing to help 
and listen. I commend them on their new Activities Center, and thank 
them for their dedication.

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