Area Office On Aging 2023 Spring / Summer Newsletter

“Behind every successful organization, there are dedicated individuals who work tirelessly towards its mission. The 49 years of service by Mrs. Billie Johnson to the Area Office on Aging of NW Ohio is a testament to the power of commitment and the impact it can have on the lives of Older adults in our community. We thank you!”

ELEVATING AGING

For over 49 years, Mrs. Billie Johnson has been growing the Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio, Inc. (AOoA) to meet the needs of older northwest Ohioans. Her heart for the AOoA’s work of caring for older adults was formed at a very young age. She and her brother were raised by their grandmothers. As a young child, while her grandmothers and their friends were at the table quilting, Mrs. Johnson fondly recalls sitting underneath the table soaking in the stories they told, learning from the wisdom they had to impart, and loving every moment of it.

It was no accident, that her career, or as she refers to it, her calling, has been to serve older adults. The AOoA and its leader have found their roots firmly established in these formative years of Mrs. Johnson’s life, grounding the organization’s purpose and passion for serving older adults. It is as if she sees the faces of her beloved grandmothers in the face of every older adult she encounters and she desires to serve them with the dignity and respect they deserve.

As the number of older northwest Ohioans has grown along with the needs they have, this same purpose and passion for serving older adults has also spread the wings of the organization taking it to new heights far beyond its humble beginnings. Through her leadership as President/CEO, the AOoA has evolved from a small divisional office of four staff with a modest budget, into an agency of more than 185 employees, 2000 senior volunteers, over 180 service providers, a host

— Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio

of advisors, professional Board Members and an annual budget of $35 million

During Mrs. Johnson’s tenure, the AOoA has become one of the premier Area Agencies on Aging in the United States. The AOoA is one of 618 Area Agencies on Aging providing programs and services to older adults. Building upon its reputation as being locally known and nationally recognized, last year, the AOoA received the 1st place national Aging Innovation Award from USAging for its innovative older adult COVID vaccination efforts.

This same organization presented, Mrs. Johnson the most prestigious national aging award, The President’s Award. Her efforts have also been recognized at the State level. Ohio’s State Senators and Representatives gathered together on their respective floors in the Statehouse to formally recognize Mrs. Johnson for her leadership to improve the lives of Ohio’s older adults in general and older northwest Ohioans in particular.

The AOoA serves more than 200,000 older adults a year living in 10 counties. In the 1980s, she saw that there was a lack of affordable senior housing in the rural part of this service area. Mrs. Johnson developed three subsidiary corporations to provide safe, affordable, accessible, and beautiful housing for older adults in North Baltimore, Defiance, and Napoleon. While some of these accomplishments are measurable in numbers, the priceless accomplishment Mrs. Johnson is most proud of is helping those she serves be where they want to be…home.

At the local level, the Lucas County Commissioners added Mrs. Johnson to Lucas County’s Wall of Friends earlier this year. This recognition highlights her leadership organizing the agency’s Foundation and developing a senior campus of 46 acres that provides a full continuum of care for older adults. She also provided leader-

ship for the Senior Services Levy Committee in Lucas County and successfully passed six levies for Senior Citizens in 1991, 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009, 2014, and 2019.

Ms. Johnson has been in the spotlight at the state, national, and international levels for work in aging and women’s issues. She was inducted into the Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame. She participated as a workshop leader at the World Conference on Women/Forum in Nairobi, Kenya. She was also a presenter at the World Conference on Women in Beijing, China. Additionally, she is a leader in her community and has served on the Boards of the Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo Zoological Society, and on many other local civic boards and foundations.

Other honors and awards she has received include:

1. Touchstone Lifetime Achievement Award by The Press Club of Toledo

2. Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Ohio Association of Gerontological Educators in Ohio

3. The Athena Award by The Toledo Chamber of Commerce

4. Distinguished Service to Justice Award by the Legal Aid Society of Toledo

5. YWCA’s Milestones Award - A Tribute To The Women Hall of Fame

6. Recognized by the Ohio Senate for Outstanding Civic Service to the Toledo Zoo

7. Woman of Achievement Award by Zonta International—Toledo I Club

8. Impact Newsmaker Award by the Northwest Ohio Black Media Association

9. Outstanding Woman Award by the national Association of Negro Business & Professional Women’s Club—Toledo Club

10.Outstanding Service Award by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Zeta Alpha Omega Chapter

Billie Johnson — Elevating Aging continued on page 5

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a Federal Communications Commission program that provides a subsidy on monthly broadband Internet bills for qualifying households.

If your household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if you participate in any of the following programs, you automatically qualify for ACP:

• SNAP

• Medicaid

• Federal Public Housing Assistance

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

• WIC

• Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits

• Lifeline

Participation in the ACP program does not affect eligibility or benefits from any other public assistance programs.

Earlier this year, The Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging (o4a) unveiled its new award to recognize an individual’s longevity and career accomplishments in the field of aging in Ohio. o4a named this Award the Billie Johnson Award and presented this new honor to The Award’s namesake, the AOoA’s President/CEO. She is the first to receive the Billie Johnson Award, but she will not be the last. After she retires in June, this award bearing her name will continue to be bestowed annually to recognize an individual’s longevity and career accomplishments in the field of aging.

the next generation of leadership to ensure that a Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Center is established on the campus she has been instrumental in developing. This PACE Center will help individuals with complex care needs who currently have to go multiple places frequently for their primary care physician, physical therapy, occupational therapy, meals, adult day care, and arrange transportation to all these places. The PACE Center will make it possible for these older adults to have all these care needs taken care of under one roof with one organization coordinating all these services.

Mrs. Johnson has been working on this PACE Center for three years and she realizes that turning the dream of this PACE Center into a reality doesn’t happen overnight. Like all the accomplishments throughout her career, it happens through continuous steady progress year after year.

While some find comfort in being surrounded by all these accomplishments and awards, Mrs. Johnson feels most comfortable today in the place she felt most comfortable as a young girl; surrounded by her beloved older adults. Early in life, she found her calling surrounded by her grandmothers and their quilt. She went into the field of aging enjoying being surrounded by older adults. As she retires, for her farewell celebration, she wants nothing more than to be surrounded by hundreds of her beloved older adults, the true picture of her pupose, and the best reward of a career well invested.

For those who know her well, it will come as no surprise that her retirement will not mark the end of her work on behalf of older northwest Ohioans. Caring for older adults was infused into her as a child and is still alive and well in her today as a fundamental part of her very being. Her living legacy will continue to grow as she works with

Billie Johnson — Elevating Aging continued from page 3

On the Move!

AOoA President/CEO Mrs. Billie Johnson Added to Lucas County’s Wall of Friends

The Board of Lucas County Commissioners added Area Office on Aging President/CEO Mrs. Billie Johnson to Lucas County’s Wall of Friends today honoring her leadership and service to older northwest Ohioans and the community.

Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging Names Award

The Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging (o4a) today unveiled its new award to recognize an individual’s longevity and career accomplishments in the field of aging in Ohio. o4a named this Award the Billie Johnson Award. o4a presented its Billie Johnson Award to The Award’s namesake, the AOoA’s President/CEO Mrs. Billie Johnson.

In this capacity, Ms. Johnson has served senior citizens for more than four decades. Through her leadership, the Area Office on Aging (AOoA) has evolved from a small divisional office of four staff, into an agency of more than 185 employees, 2000 senior volunteers, over 180 service providers, and a host of advisors and professional Board Members. During Ms. Johnson’s tenure, the AOoA has become a comprehensive regional office on Aging

that serves more than 200,000 older adults living in 10 counties. The AOoA is considered one of the premier Area Agencies on Aging in the United States. The agency has received twelve national achievement and innovation awards.

Move!

LIVING BETTER& LONGER

Advocacy Testimony at The Statehouse

AOoA Interim CEO Justin Moor provided testimony at the Ohio Statehouse today advocating for older northwest Ohioans.

State Budget Advocacy with Members of the Ohio General Assembly

The AOoA’s advocacy focuses on increasing rates for home care workers to eliminate waiting lists and build capacity to meet growing need for home care for older adults and people with disabilities in Ohio.

Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program

Stay Cool During The Hot Summer Months!

The Ohio Department of Development and the Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio are helping income-eligible Ohioans stay cool during the hot summer months. The Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program (HEAP) provides eligible Ohioans assistance paying an electric bill or paying for central air conditioning repairs. The program runs from July 1, 2023, until September 30, 2023.

Applicants must bring the following documents to their appointment:

• Copies of their most recent energy bills;

• A list of all household members and proof of income for the last 30 days or 12 months for each member;

• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members;

• Proof of disability (if applicable);

• Physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member’s health (if there isn’t a household member over the age of 60).

HEAP assists low-income households with an older household member (60 years or older), that can provide physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member's health, have a disconnect notice, have been shut off, are trying to establish new service on their electric bill, or require air conditioning. Conditions can include such things as lung disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or asthma.

Also, Ohioans enrolled in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus Program (PIPP) who meet the above criteria may be eligible for assistance towards their default PIPP payment, first PIPP payment, central air conditioning repairs, or may receive an air conditioning unit and/or fan.

To be connected to your local Energy Assistance provider visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov or call (800) 282-0880.

For more information or to apply for the Summer Crisis Program please contact your local Community Action Agency in the County you reside to schedule an appointment.

The Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio, Inc. was well-represented at the Go Red for Women event in Toledo in March. This event is designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women.

The Four Pillars of The New Retirement!

Join us as we explore how retirement is changing and the four pillars that can impact your quality of life during retirement. Explore each of these pillars – health, family, purpose, and finances - why they matter and ways you can tend to each. Are you ready for your next chapter?

A whole new chapter awaits you…. let’s get planning!

When: Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Where: Margaret Hunt Senior Center, 2121 Garden Lake Parkway, Toledo, OH

Time: Presentation at 11 a.m.; light lunch at 11:30; (drawings for several door prize giveaways)

Guest Presenters: Bob Meeker, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones and Mary Westphal, AOoA Foundation

Reservations: Required – email mwestphal@areofficeonaging.com or call 419-725-7040 and leave your name and phone number

Senior Farmers ’ Market

Nutrition Program for Older Adults age 60+

Now Accepting Applications!

The Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio (AOoA) Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is now accepting applications from older adults age 60 years of age or older. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please allow a minimum of 6 weeks to process your completed and eligible application.

Eligible 60 years of age or older adults will receive a onetime mailing of 10-$5 coupons valid until October 31, 2023, pending available funding. These coupons may be used at participating farm stands and markets to purchase locally grown fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, herbs, and honey.

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust. html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992.

Instead of filling out this paper application form, you can apply online at AreaOfficeOnAging.com

2023 APPLICATION

Each applicant must complete and submit a separate application for each program year.

Must be at least 60 years old to participate ☐

all that apply)

(select all that apply)

Complete the following information ONLY if applicant is designating an authorized shopper.

I certify that I am at least 60 years of age; a resident of this service area; have not received

Program 2023 coupons at any other location; and have a total household income that meets income requirements.

I have been advised of my rights and obligations under the Ohio Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). I certify the the information I have provided is correct. This form is being submitted for Federal Assistance and is subject to verification. I understand that intentionally misrepresenting, concealing or withholding facts may result in paying the State Agency, in cash, the value of the food benefits improperly issued to me and may subject me to civil or criminal prosecution under State and Federal law. I understand that I may appeal any decision made by the local agency regarding my eligibility for the SFMNP. Information will not be shared except for the specific purposes of responding to your request for assistance.

AOoA

Nutritious

Making homes safe and accessible. Most older adults want to remain at home. With a disability, home might not be as accessible as it once was. Ramps, grab bars, and other modi cations can help make home more safe and accessible.