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Mr. Johnson has devoted numerous
hours and thousands of dollars toward providing a better environment
for the handicapped. He has been involved in helping mentally
retarded adults and children for over 25 years. His interest in
helping began when he became aware of the needs of mentally retarded
individuals in the parish and what services should be available to
fulfill some of those needs.
With the help of parents of mentally
retarded children, Mr. Johnson began a personal campaign to
stimulate interest among the community in beginning some form of
activities for people with mental retardation. Through
solicitations of donations and funds through philanthropic
organizations, Mr. Johnson was the impetus for the first work
activity center in Sulphur, LA.
In the late 1960's Mr. Johnson became
actively involved in United Appeals where he would speak to numerous
businesses and industries in efforts to increase the funding to
United Appeals, which would then increase funding for better
programs for adults and children with mental retardation. He was
also on the West Calcasieu Association for Retarded Citizens Board
of Directors from 1970 to 1980.
In this time Mr. Johnson donated much
of his personal time and equipment for general maintenance of
buildings and grounds, solicited the state for transportation needs,
at times personally paid for building and vehicle maintenance,
solicited the governor's office for increased funding, solicited for
PL 94-142, developed the first work activity client work contract
and many other activities that helped increase services and
community activities. As manager of the Cal-Cam Fair, he was
instrumental in initiating and organizing "Fair Day for the
Handicapped” in which busses transport handicapped adults and
children to enjoy a day at the fair.
In 1980 Mr. Johnson was the impetus
behind the merger of the West Calcasieu ARC and the Lake Charles
Arc, which is now known as CARC. This move was initiated, according
to Mr. Johnson, because he felt that "there is strength in numbers".
At the time of the merger, Mr.
Johnson became a member of the CARC Board of Directors, which has
continued to this time, giving him 20 plus years of service in that
capacity. Since the merger, he has participated on numerous
committees, continues to volunteer for fundraising events, and
remains a persuasive advocate for children and adults with mental
retardation/developmental disabilities.
Mr. Johnson is married, a
father of two and grandfather of three. |
