MMHMF Honoree

MRS. JANICE JOHNSON
2006 Community Service Award

 Ms. Janice Johnson is the Executive Director of the Rudi Johnson Foundation, located in Ettrick, Virginia.  The Foundation is named after her son, Rudi Johnson, who is the All Pro Running Back for the Cincinnati Bengals.  Ms. Johnson established the Foundation in July 2005, based on her son's desire to ''give back'' to the community that nurtured him, as well as to the larger world community.  Mr. Johnson wanted to share his blessings with family and children in order to enhance ans stabilize their lives and to support learning opportunities for children that may not have been possible otherwise. 

Through Community Programs for Youth, Ms. Johnson joined in partnership with Ettrick Elementary, Matoaca Elementary, and A.P. Hill Elementary in financing a nutritious, hot lunch meal for children who otherwise would not have had one.  Another program is the Rudi's Kids Program, established at Ettrick Elementary School.  This program is designed to recognize, motivate andreward elementary school children who excel in the classroom during the school year.  They receive the Rudi Johnson Achievement Award.  Another program, The Hablo Espanol/ Spanish Initiative Program, crosses racial, linguistic and cultural boundaries.  This program teaches Preschoolers, Headstart and elementary students the Spanish language and culture.  Instruction is provided by a Native-speaking teacher and (at Ettrick Elementary School) an assistant.  The program is expanding to communities beyond Ettrick.

Other programs of this young and relevant Foundation, directed by its visionary, creative, generous and compassionate Director and CEO include: the Harriet Fisher Scholarship Fund (12 scholarships have been awarded to high school seniors thus far); the Chris White Scholarship Fund; the funding of youth camp experiences and incentive grants based on merit and/or need; payment of bills of the needy; the Elderly Assistance Program; and a wide range of programs to help young men (ages 25 to 35) who have had contact with the justice system.

Ms. Johnson is also an active member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Petersburg, Virginia.  She volunteers her services in feeding the homeless at the men's shelter and Petersburg Operation Diamond Crime Prevention Program.