[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 154 (Friday, September 26, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S9648]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING DORIS J. JOHNSON

 Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, yesterday morning I met Doris 
Johnson of West Memphis, AR, who was selected by Experience Works as 
the recipient of the 2008 Changing Lives Award for Outstanding Senior 
Community Service Employment Program, SCSEP, Participant. I want to 
congratulate Mrs. Johnson on receiving this award and changing her life 
through participation in the SCSEP.
  Prior to her participation in the program, Mrs. Johnson's sole work 
experience was helping to run her family's sheet metal shop business 
for nearly 45 years. She managed many of the day-to-day office tasks 
which included sending and receiving invoices on behalf of the 
business. Unfortunately, in 1986, her husband's health began to 
deteriorate, and she suffered a heart attack herself. It was at this 
time that their son began running the company until it was eventually 
sold, when her husband passed away in 1996.
  After her heart attack, Mrs. Johnson was not employed for nearly 20 
years. In fact, her husband's death was very painful, and she rarely 
visited friends or ventured out of the house. But at the age of 77, 
realizing she needed additional income just to make ends meet, she 
contacted Experience Works.
  For those who are not aware, Experience Works is the Nation's oldest 
and largest provider of job training and employment opportunities for 
older Americans. Each year, Experience Works serves over 20,000 older 
workers and local communities through the SCSEP.
  Shortly before her 78th birthday, Mrs. Johnson was placed with the 
Amazing Grace Thrift Shop on a training assignment. She quickly learned 
to sort and fold clothes, as well as price and sell items. In a short 
time, she and another SCSEP participant tripled the sales at the store.
  She soon was encouraged to take a new job as a receptionist with the 
Arkansas Rehabilitation Service, ARS. It was not an easy transition, 
though. Mrs. Johnson suffered from hearing loss and was concerned about 
her ability to answer the phone. In addition, the phone system was 
rather intimidating, and she was unsure if she could adapt. The staff 
at ARS was impressed with her, though, and they worked to help her 
obtain new hearing aids. She was also a quick study during phone 
training. She not only developed the skills to become a good 
receptionist but also took the initiative to take a phone list home so 
that she could learn employee names and extensions. Her work ethic, 
people skills, and ability to learn new task set her apart. In fact, 
her training supervisor has requested that she become the office 
assistant.
  It has certainly made a difference in Mrs. Johnson's life. She says, 
``Being in the program has made a complete turnaround in my life.'' She 
displays a newfound confidence, and with some extra income, has 
returned to becoming an active senior.
  Mrs. Johnson, I want you to know that you are an inspiration, not 
only to me and my colleagues but to the millions of seniors around our 
great State and across this country. Thank you for all you do, and good 
luck in your future endeavors.

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