Johnson County Aging and Human Services was created by a resolution of the Board of County Commissioners of Johnson County, Kansas, on August 5, 1975. AHS plays a vital role in supporting vulnerable residents through programs that promote independence, well-being, and connection.

A Legacy of Service and Commitment

The original Office of Human Resources (now AHS) was created in response to the county’s rapid post-World War II growth to improve coordination across social services and access to food, housing and transportation. The county's information line was the first major accomplishment of AHS, which involved collaborating with other county departments and centralizing resident information for county services. Creating Multi-Service Centers was another significant initiative early on in AHS, creating a one-stop shop for county, state, and non-profit agencies to improve access to critical social services in one location.

In 1978, Johnson County was designated Kansas Area Agency on Aging  #11, launching a Department of Aging and the Commission on Aging advisory board. During this same time, the utility assistance program and weatherization services were created within the Office of Human Resources.

In 1982, a reorganization combined the Human Resources and Aging departments. Shortly after the restructuring, with an Older Americans Act grant, the department launched The Best Times, now a county magazine, to share information and resources with older adults.  The department expanded to include accessibility (disability) services, including a Deaf Services Unit and introduced a TDD (telephone device for the deaf) to ensure equitable access.

In 1985, the Johnson County Housing Authority was created, making Section 8 housing (now Housing Choice Voucher) available countywide, and a short time later, additional housing programs were added to the department. The third name change was made shortly after the Housing Authority was established to Human Services and Aging. Much of the aging services were contracted out in the early days. In 1990, the nutrition program was added as a direct service, offering home-delivered and congregate meals.

The department continued to grow and evolve with the community's needs over the next thirty years, creating programs such as Catch-a-Ride and CHAMPSS. A fourth name change was made in the early 2000's to Human Services. In 2020, the department became Aging and Human Services, and the Housing Authority transitioned to the Planning, Housing, and Community Development Department. 

Our Strongest Foundation: Dedicated Volunteers

Volunteers are a vital part of AHS. Many AHS programs depend on the dedication of community volunteers to operate effectively. From delivering meals to homebound older adults to providing transportation to essential medical appointments to offering guidance on Medicare options, volunteers help extend our reach in ways staff alone could not.

With nearly 1,000 active volunteers each year, AHS proudly operates one of the largest volunteer programs in Johnson County government, playing a key role in enhancing the delivery of services to those who need them most.

Continuing the Mission Today

In 2025, AHS celebrates its 50th Anniversary. AHS has two divisions today: the Area Agency on Aging and Human Services. Johnson County’s Aging & Human Services department provides services and opportunities to residents seeking assistance. We are a passionate team who serve older adults, persons with disabilities and those with limited resources. We respect the needs of individuals within our diverse population aligned with our core values of empathy, equity and inclusion.

AHS's central office is in Olathe, KS. Three additional Human Services (formerly called Multi-Service Centers) offices are located in Gardner, Lenexa, and Mission. The AAA has seven nutrition centersin De Soto, Gardner, Lenexa, Merriam, Olathe, Overland Park, and Spring Hill. 

AHS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age or disability status in employment or the provision of services.