[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 186 (Friday, December 11, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2974]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


              HONORING THE LIFE ACHIEVEMENT OF JO JOHNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 11, 2009

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend Jo Johnson, the 
Executive Director of the Fresno-Madera Agency on Aging in Fresno, 
California as she prepares to retire after 18 years of dedicated 
service to seniors and the community of Fresno.
  Jo Johnson is a Valley native, born in Fresno, California. She is a 
graduate of the Class of 1968 from Roosevelt High School and received 
her Bachelor's Degree from California State University, Fresno in 1972. 
Jo is married to Mr. John J. Johnson, Jr.
  Jo has spent the majority of her career working as a selfless public 
servant. In 1973, she was hired by the Fresno County Probation 
Department as a Research Analyst. Then, in 1974, she moved to the State 
of Oregon to work as a Social Worker in the Children's Services 
Division. Jo returned to the Central Valley in 1975 and worked as a 
Probation Officer for the Tulare County Probation Department in Tulare, 
California until 1984. After spending time in the public sector, Jo 
worked as a paralegal in her husband's office in Big Bear Lake, 
California. In 1991, Jo was hired by the Fresno-Madera Area Agency on 
Aging (FMAAA).
  Serving as Executive Director, Jo has helped direct the Fresno-Madera 
Agency on Aging to numerous accomplishments. When she was first hired 
in 1991, Jo created the Valley Coalition of Area Agencies on Aging 
which brought together the various county agencies to plan and direct 
legislation which would benefit the elderly. At the National level, Jo 
has participated in the 1994 Health Care University conference in 
Washington, D.C. sponsored by the Administration on Aging. Jo also 
received a Congressional appointment to the California delegation for 
the 1995 White House Conference on Aging. At the State level, she was 
appointed by the California Department on Aging to numerous committees 
helping to create nutrition policy and shape administrative structure.
  Under Jo's guidance, the Fresno-Madera Agency on Aging became the 
first California area agency to own real estate. The Fresno-Madera 
Agency on Aging is the only statewide Agency to develop a campus of 
collocated services that facilitates immediate responses to consumer 
needs. Jo helped create a system that supports a team that investigates 
elder abuse and was the first to be recognized by the California 
Attorney General. The Fresno-Madera Agency on Aging has taken their 
original investment of $1.5 million in community development block 
grants provided by the City of Fresno and helped create $25 million 
worth of real property on an 8 acre campus. Furthermore, over 17 years 
ago, Jo was instrumental in the creation of the FMAAA's annual event 
``Seniors Serving Seniors''. This event honoring seniors and those who 
help seniors is held in May of each year and is overwhelmingly 
successful because of Jo's love for seniors.
  The leadership that Jo has shown for the senior community of Fresno 
has been steadfast during her time of service. Jo serves as an 
outstanding example for those who truly want to make a positive 
difference. I am honored to not only call Jo a friend but also a 
champion for seniors. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to rise with 
me today to express our appreciation for Jo Johnson's dedicated service 
to seniors and her community.

                          ____________________