UCS Annual Meeting Celebrated 2024 Human Service Award Winners
Nearly 150 community members gathered at Johnson County Community College on Friday, December 13 for the United Community Services 2024 Annual Meeting. The event celebrated community partnerships, reflected on UCS's accomplishments over the past year, and honored the 2024 Human Service Award winners for their outstanding contributions to Johnson County. UCS also welcomed incoming board members for 2025 including Westwood Mayor David Waters; Molly Haase, Director of Advocacy with AdventHealth; and Michael Wilson, CEO/Executive Director of Community LINC. The board recognized and thanked departing board members for their service, including David Brown, Joe Connor, Tom Herzog, Steve Kyle, Prairie Village Mayor Eric Mikkelson, and Edgerton Mayor Don Roberts.
Human Service Award Winners
Citizen of the Year:
Robert E. Johnson
Robert currently serves as the Disproportionate Minority Contact Coordinator for the Juvenile Field Services Division with the Johnson County Department of Corrections. During Robert’s 26-year career with the Department, he has been a dedicated advocate for justice-involved individuals. Passionate about breaking generational cycles of harmful behavior, Robert works to address racial and ethnic disparities affecting justice-involved youth. He amplifies their voices, incorporates their stories into systemic change efforts, and builds relationships that foster transformation.
Robert chairs the Disproportionate Minority Contact Committee and its subcommittees on Schools, Data, and Community Outreach & Engagement. He also serves on the Juvenile Corrections Advisory Board, the Community Corrections Advisory Board, and mentors students at The Spot, an after-school program in Olathe Public Schools. A committed community volunteer, Robert consistently researches and implements strategies to ensure all voices are heard in county initiatives. Watch this video to learn more about Robert.
Excellence in Community Service:
Johnson County Eviction Mediation Program
In 2023, the Johnson County 10th District Court, with support from Johnson County government, launched the state’s first mandatory eviction mediation program. Evictions significantly impact communities. Displaced tenants may face homelessness, health challenges, and disrupted education, while property owners incur turnover costs. Evictions strain judicial and law enforcement resources, heighten demand for public assistance, and destabilize workplaces and local economies.
The Eviction Mediation Program allows tenants and property owners to understand eviction better and to have a say in the potential outcomes of their case. Between September 2023 and June 2024, approximately 93% of mediations resulted in an agreement. In over 75% of agreements, tenants fulfilled the terms with property owners, avoiding a court judgment and eviction. The Johnson County Eviction Mediation Program is a model of community service, fostering stability, reducing economic and social costs, and promoting a healthier, more equitable environment for all. Watch this video to learn more about the Johnson County Eviction Mediation Program.
Karen Wulfkuhle Bridge Spanner Award:
Annabeth Surbaugh
Annabeth Surbaugh was recognized posthumously for lifetime of service. As Johnson County’s first countywide elected commission chair, she broke barriers throughout her career. Determined to drive change, she joined the rural water board in 1988 as its first female member. She later became the first woman to chair the WaterOne board. In 1992, Annabeth won a seat on the Johnson County Commission, where she served for 18 years. In 2003, she became the county’s first at-large, publicly elected chair, holding the position for two terms. A champion of reform, Annabeth spearheaded the creation of Johnson County’s Home Rule Charter, the first of its kind in Kansas, which established an appointed county manager, non-partisan elections for commissioners, and a publicly elected chair position. These changes transformed the county’s governance structure, ensuring greater accountability and stability.
Annabeth’s commitment to quality development, transparency, and restorative justice earned widespread respect. Beyond her policy achievements, Surbaugh was a mentor and advocate for women in leadership and was known as a passionate supporter who inspired others to break barriers. Watch this video to learn more about Annabeth Surbaugh.