This August, Johnson County Aging and Human Services celebrates 50 years of service to the community. Since its founding on August 5, 1975, AHS has played a vital role in supporting vulnerable residents through programs that promote independence, wellbeing, and connection.

Established through a federal Comprehensive Employment and Training Act grant, the original Office of Human Resources (now AHS) was created in response to the county’s rapid post-World War II growth. Founding director Trish Moore was tasked with improving coordination across social services and access to food, housing and transportation. Early efforts led to the formation of a Human Resources Task Force, later called the Human Services Coalition, and a centralized resident information and referral phone line, a precursor to today’s information services.

Multi-service centers were developed as one-stop shops offering county, state, and nonprofit support to improve access. As the demand for services and space grew, many agencies branched out, and the concept of the centers evolved. AHS continues to provide essential services, including food pantries, utility assistance, and light case management.

In 1979, Johnson County was designated Kansas Area Agency on Aging #11, launching a Department of Aging and the Commission on Aging board. Initially, AAA contracted out most of its services; in 1990, nutrition was added as a direct service offering home-delivered and congregate meals. A centralized kitchen, a dedicated information line, and a geriatric case management team followed, enhancing service delivery for older adults.

That same year, AHS introduced the utility assistance program. Four years later, it added weatherization services and created an Energy Office to provide financial assistance and energy conservation services.

In 1982, a reorganization combined the Human Resources and Aging departments. With the Older Americans Act grant, AHS launched The Best Times, now a county magazine, to share information and resources with older adults.

Accessibility became a focus in the county during the 1980s to ensure county services were available to people with disabilities. The department introduced Deaf Services and added a TDD (telephone device for people who are deaf or hard of hearing) to ensure equitable access.