United Neighbors has been a part of the community for almost 40-years. Its founder, Dr. Ida Johnson, is up for a national award that could bring big benefits to the Davenport organization.
For Dr. Ida Johnson United Neighbors has always been a passion project. It started as a small community organization in her home.
"I had 5 kids; they didn't have a lot of things to do, so I needed some instruction for them."
Johnson worked out of her home for a few years, and then the organization grew.
"At the time we named it Central Community Center and that was the name until 1980 or so," says Johnson, "Then we merged with the Eastside Community Development Center and became United Neighbors. We've been going strong ever since."
Over the past 39-years, Johnson has helped put together numerous youth programs.
"We have an after school program and we have a summer parks program."
United Neighbors also has programs to help people in the community.
"We have a large housing program, we help people to buy houses, we have a large education program and we have lead screenings."
Johnson didn't apply for the contest sponsored by L'Oreal Paris.
"A former board member applied on my behalf from what I gather," adds Johnson, "She saw it in a magazine one night."
One day she received a phone call saying out of 4000 entries, Johnson was in the top 30.
"I said, oh that's great and I figured that was it."
However, that wasn't all and Johnson received another call.
"They said you're one of the 10 nominees and you're getting $10,000 for the organization," says Johnson, "She screamed and hollered and of course I screamed and hollered."
If Johnson wins United Neighbors will receive $25,000.
"I think it's great and it's going to help the organization, which will help the community, so that makes me feel really good."
The winner will be announced on December 6th. No matter what happens, Johnson says she knows she's a Woman of Worth.
"I do it because it's my calling and it's what I'm supposed to do, so I will do it until they carry me out I guess."
To vote for Ida Johnson, click here.
