Since 1963, the month of May has helped the nation focus on the contributions and achievements of America's older citizens. Each week in May, Grassley will recognize an Iowan who illustrates the contributions of Iowa's aging population. Each Iowan will receive a certificate of appreciation and a flag will fly in their honor over the U.S. Capitol.
Following is Grassley's tribute to Owens:
Since 1963, the month of May has helped the nation focus on the contributions and achievements of America's older citizens. The image of those over the age of 65 is dramatically different than it was just a generation ago. Older Americans increasingly redefine modern maturity, re-shape cultural boundaries and dispel age-related stereotypes associated with getting older. They are leaders in our families, in our workplaces and in our communities.
One of these leaders is a 68-year-old woman from Sioux City, Iowa. JoAnn Owens understands the value of family and community involvement. Through her initiative, concern, and commitment, she has touched the lives of many in her family and in the Sioux City community.
Born and raised in Sioux City, Ms. Owens moved to New York in her twenties and spent much of her adult life on the East Coast. In 1993, at the age of 60, she moved back to Sioux City to care for her ailing mother.
Seeking a way to keep herself active and stimulate her mind, Ms. Owens began to volunteer in the community. For the last seven years, she has served as a senior companion by providing care to people in the community who need extra assistance in order to live independently. She currently volunteers four days a week helping young people suffering from brain injuries to develop their academic skills. Ms. Owens also serves as a volunteer judge for the Woodbury County Drug Court program. She is a member of the city's Human Rights Commission and active in Quota Club, an international service organization.
Ms. Owens describes herself as a woman motivated by challenges. As a volunteer with the Sioux City Police Department, Ms. Owens took the initiative to develop a program to provide domestically abused women with cellular phones. She also spent a series of weeks attending the Sioux City Police Citizens Academy where she was trained on the responsibilities and challenges faced by police officers.
Ms. Owens' concern for her family is also a driving force for her involvement. Her desire to play an active role in her mother's care prompted Ms. Owens to join the care review board at the care center where her mother lived. Although Ms. Owens' mother passed away five years ago, she is still involved as a resident advocate, currently serving as the chairperson for care review. She visits with the residents at least once a month and works with staff to take care of any problems.
Ms. Owens has six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Her concern for their education motivated her to become a member of the Board of Education equity committee. She is currently the chairperson of the committee. Her mission is to ensure that education in Sioux City is equally and equitably dispensed to all students.
Beyond her community involvement, Ms. Owens enjoys raising tomatoes, reading and feeding the birds, squirrels and rabbits. She lives with her cat, "Mr. Roberts,"and her dog, "Jordan."
I want to thank Ms. Owens for helping to make Sioux City a better place to live. Her initiative and compassionate concern for others is an example to us all that we should contribute to our communities, no matter what our age.