What makes Johnson County a Livable Community?

Education

Educational opportunities for all ages contribute to making Johnson County, Iowa a livable community:

Universities and Colleges

The University of Iowa

Leisure/Cultural Activities

Johnson County is part of the eastern Iowa Corridor area - the place to be for arts and culture.  Activities include performing arts, museums, dance companies, festivals, historic sites, and craft guilds.

Photo courtesy of the Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center

Events and Schedulues

The County also offers an impressive system of trails for walking and biking.

Trail Maps

Housing

Affordability, accessibility and availability of adequate housing options are key components of a livable community.  Johnson County offers resources to assist citizens for each component.

Afforability (30%, or less, of household income)

Accessibility

Certified Building & Remodeling Professionals

Aging in Place Specialists (CAPS); Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR); Certified Graduate Builder (CGB); Certified Green Professional (CGP)

Assistive Technology Equipment

Iowa COMPASS

Universal Design

Home Safety - Fall Prevention

Availability & Housing Options

Senior Real Estate Specialists (SRES) are Realtors who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise to counsel clients age 50-plus through major financial and lifestyle transitions in reloacting, refinancing or selling their homes.  Iowa City-area designees:

Transportation & Mobility

Public Transportation Systems

Private Services

Many are available from residential facilities and taxi companies listed in the phone book provide.

JCLC Resource Booklet

Iowa Department of Transportation Resource

Employment

There are a variety of resources for mature workers looking for a career change, re-entry into the workforce or part-time employment. 

50+ Job Search Resources: this booklet provides brief descriptions of services and contact information for:  

•     AARP Foundation WorkSearch
•     AmeriCorps/Vista
•     HACAP Senior Employment
•     Iowa Workforce Development
•     Iowa’s National Career Readiness Certificate
•     Kirkwood Community College, Continuing Education & Training Services
•             Kirkwood Community College, Skills-to-Employment
•     RSVP of Elder Services, Inc
•     United Way of Johnson County

The following links are amongst the many resources that are available on the Internet.  Each link will open the resource in a new window.

• Tips on finding a job after 50
• Search for employment opportunities in Johnson County
• Search for employment opportunities in the Iowa Corridor
• Kirkwood Community College Career Oriented Programs
• AARP WorkSearch - Employment/Training program for lower income workers 55 and older
• AARP - Thinking About Starting a Business?

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are an important part of the social, educational. cultural and service networks of Johnson County. Studies indicate that being active and being helpful is good for one’s health.
In addition to the volunteer opportunities listed here, citizens are encouraged to apply for appointment to the various boards and commission for Johnson County and for the community where they live. Vacancies are listed on the county and city websites.
http://www.icgov.org/default/apps/GEN/volunteer.asp
http://www.johnson-county.com/employment/index.shtml

Government/Business

Johnson County has an active and dedicated Board of Supervisors and well qualified County Departments that are dedicated to serving citizens.

Each of the communities in Johnson County with it urban-rural mix offers unique opportunities.  A listing of local communities in the county can be found at http://www.johnson-county.com/others.shtml

In addition, the Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County provides a co-operative forum for the communities of the county to work together.

To download a complete directory of all services in Johnson County click the following link: Johnson County Service Directory Download

The Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce on behalf of more than 1,000 members fosters a better business environment through community and economic development, member services, and public policy advocacy.  The Chamber serves the communities of Coralville, Iowa City, North Liberty and Solon.

Faith-Based Opportunities

Johnson County, Iowa is recognized nationally for its religious diversity and ecumenical activities.

In Johnson County there is a wide array of faith-based organizations (both Western and Eastern) that seek to meet the spiritual needs of all persons. All of these organizations provide a support community that helps persons to age successfully.

Unique to Johnson County is the Consultation of Religious Communities, an interfaith council composed of more than thirty diverse religious communities and related agencies of Johnson County, that is active in the community. One example is their involvement with Ecumenical Towers, an 81 apartment complex for the elderly and disabled in downtown Iowa City. For a listing of the Consultation members, click on http://www.crc-ic.org/Member_Communities.html.

For a complete listing of the 118 faith-based organizations in the area, click on http://www.press-citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/99999999/FEATURES/40723012

Planning for your future

Photo courtesy of the Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center

In the portal “What is available to help me stay in my home” you will find information on the nutritional/food, support groups, and other services available in Johnson County. These services not only help persons to be able to stay in their home but are designed to help persons age successfully.

Important factors in aging successfully include: adopting a healthy life-style, preparing or selecting a housing environment that will accommodate one throughout the aging process, planning for one’s health care and financial needs. It is not to early or too late to plan for your future. You will find many helpful suggestions in planning for your future at AARP.org.

A copy of the toolkit Plan Your Own Future can be obtained from: http://www.longtermcare.gov/LTC/Main_Site/Planning_LTC/Campaign/index.aspx

A helpful planning document can be found at http://www.lifelonglinks.org/planning.htm

SHIP counselors are available at the Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center, call them at 319-356-5220 and Mercy Hospital, call them at 319-339-3532 to discuss Medicaid, Medicare and Long-Term Insurance.

To talk with a person about resources available to you, call Elder Services at 319-338-0515 and/or The Evert Conner Center (for persons with disabilities) at 319-338-3870 and/or The Heritage Area Agency on Aging is also available to provide assistance. Call them at 319-398-5559.

All segments of Johnson County are available to help one grow up and grow old with maximum independence, safety and well-being, but it is important that you take an active part in preparing for your future.