JoCo on the Go: Everything Johnson County Kansas

Employment Services for All Abilities

During our 11th JoCo on the Go podcast episode, we’re discussing employment services for Johnson County residents who have disabilities. The discussion includes Johnson County Employment Team Leader Amy Fair, with Johnson County Developmental Supports. She introduces us to Tyler Smith, who is an employment supports success story. He describes an innovative program known as Project SEARCH, that’s helping residents with disabilities obtain and keep rewarding jobs. You’ll also hear from 5th district Commissioner Michael Ashcraft, who describes the Board of County Commissioners’ support for public-private partnerships that benefit job seekers served by JCDS and employers.

Older Adult Well-Being

During our 10th JoCo on the Go podcast episode, we’re discussing the well-being of Johnson County’s older adults. Commissioner Janeé Hanzlick, Johnson County Board of County Commissioners, will talk about the board’s efforts to ensure Johnson County remains an affordable place to live for all ages. She’ll also discuss ways the community can volunteer to help older adults who might be homebound. You’ll hear from Denise Dias with K-State Extension, and Elizabeth Mardis with the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment about programs available to help older adults with the Medicare and Medicaid health care coverage applications. Finally, Johnson County Park and Recreation District’s Michelle Alexander will share details of the upcoming Live Well Age Well event for those 50 and older.

Cyber Security

During our ninth JoCo on the Go podcast episode, we’re talking about the latest scams and tactics criminals are using on the internet and through phones to capture people’s confidential information. Johnson County information technology experts Bill Nixon and Donna Gomez share tips and details on an upcoming event to help the public stay up-to-date on cyber security. Geoff Jenista, of Homeland Security, also shares advice on password protection and what parents should know about children’s access to the internet.

Crisis Intervention Team

During our eighth JoCo on the Go podcast episode, we’re discussing the county’s Crisis Intervention Team program, which promotes coordinated response between law enforcement and mental health experts. The CIT-trained officers respond to a scene involving a mental health concern to provide the right response at the right time. Tactics include de-escalation and connecting families to services. The goal is to keep everyone safe and prevent incarceration, which could make matters worse for someone in crisis. You’ll hear from an officer helping implement this innovative strategy in the county, a county commissioner who supports the effort and a resident who appreciates the sensitive and coordinated response to her loved one.

Veterans Treatment Court

During our seventh JoCo on the Go podcast episode, we’re discussing Johnson County’s Veterans Treatment Court program, which provides qualified veterans who have come in contact with the criminal justice system, with an alternative to incarceration. This episode includes a conversation with Veterans Treatment Court Coordinator Adam Baker, who discusses how veterans enter the program, the support services they are provided and the graduation ceremony from the program. You’ll hear from a graduate who says this program made him a changed man and a better American. Also hear from a mentor in the program who previously was a participant. Chris Carter will share his story of confronting addiction and restoring his life.

Microtransit

During our sixth JoCo on the Go podcast episode, we’re discussing a pilot project that is helping Johnson County residents get from point A to point B in a new convenient and affordable way. Microtransit functions as part of the regional public transportation system known as Ride KC. This episode includes a conversation with Johnson County’s Josh Powers, who helped bring Micro Transit to the area. He talks about the success, thus far, of the pilot and where it’s going.

Building Projects

During our fifth JoCo on the Go podcast episode, we’re discussing some of the major Johnson County building projects, including the Johnson County Courthouse and the Medical Examiner Facility. This episode includes a conversation with Johnson County Facilities Management Project Manager Dan Wehmueller, who discusses the improvements to safety, accessibility and functionality that the new courthouse brings. He also talks about whether construction is on time and on budget. And, hear from Dr. Diane Peterson, chief medical examiner with the Johnson County Medical Examiner’s Office, about how medical examiner office construction is going and how the facility and new equipment will improve efficiency.

2020 Census

During our fourth JoCo on the Go podcast episode, we’re discussing the upcoming 2020 Census. This episode includes a conversation with Deputy Regional Director of the 2020 Census, Dennis Johnson, who discusses why the Census is done and how to ensure you’re working with a real Census worker. Providing Johnson County-specific details are Karen Wulfkuhle and Chris Schneweis who lead the committee that is tasked with coordinating county efforts, in participation with the region, to encourage participation in the Census. They discuss why Census participation is key to ensuring adequate federal funding makes its way to programs and services that impact you. They also provide important information about the ways you can be counted.

2020 JoCo Budget

This episode includes a conversation with Johnson County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Ed Eilert and Johnson County Manager Penny Postoak Ferguson. They provide details of the 2020 budget and talk about how budget decisions are made. We take a closer look at how the county addresses unexpected expenses and talk about what impact the economy has on the budget process.

Back-to-school health

This episode includes a discussion with Johnson County Health and Environment (DHE) WIC Program Manager Laura Grimmett, DHE Health Services Division Director Nancy Tausz and Mental Health Team Leader Renee Van Meter. They provide valuable information for parents about helping children eat nutritious meals and snacks on a budget. They also share the very latest on new vaccination requirements. You’ll learn about anxiety in children and hear from an area student about the importance of building a strong peer support system.