Eva Jo Saddler Johnson is a recent Jefferson Award winner.ABOUT THE AWARDSThe Jefferson Awards that recognize volunteerism have been presented on the local and national levels since 1972. Each year a national winner is selected in four categories: elected or public officials, private citizens, people benefiting the disadvantaged and individuals 35 or younger. The final winner of Chattanooga’s Jefferson Awards will attend the national awards program in Washington, D.C., this year.
When Eva Jo Johnson moved back to Chattanooga after nearly 50 years, she was prepared to make a difference.
“I came to Chattanooga ready and willing to contribute my experiences here,” she said.
Since she returned to the Scenic City in 2008 to be near her mother, Johnson has added many volunteer jobs to her lengthy resume.
She works as a facilitator for the Victim Offender Reconciliation Program, which helps to prevent youth offenders from repeating crimes. She was a volunteer for EVEN ME, which goes into Chattanooga elementary schools and plans birthday parties for students. She’s helped out with Riverbend, Destiny Community Theater and the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera Guild. And she’s also done much, much, more.