4817 Freese Court, Madison

The Diane Johnson Family
Started on: 01/19/08
Completed: 09/11/08
Sponsors: American Family Insurance

My name is Diane S. Johnson and I have three adult children: Dion, Derek, and Deena Johnson. After my divorce for a better life, we moved to Madison in June of 1988 from Joliet, Ill. With my God leading me, I have to admit that I raised three awesome, wonderful, loving, hardworking and kindhearted adults.

I have been working with the Madison Metropolitan School district since 1992, and with the F.A.S.T. (Families And Schools Together) national program on a seasonal basis since 1990. F.A.S.T. strengthens parent’s involvement with their families, community and schools. I am a Foster Parent with Dane County, which I feel blessed to have children staying with me, whose families are going through a rough time.

Due to the fact that I have had rheumatoid arthritis since I was 20 years old, I am not physically active, as I would like to be. I enjoy cooking and having family and friends to help me eat. I love going to church and relaxing with a good book when I have the time.

I do get involved in neighborhood and community events when I have the energy. I started the Darbo-Worthington Park Neighborhood Association in 1994 with the help of other residents, the city, county agencies, and schools, which I was the president for seven years. Working together to make it is a safe place for everyone.

I know the pride of owning a home will give me the security and peace of mind that foster children living with me can feel totally comfortable and not worry about thinking like a little mark on the wall they may accidentally have made as one landlord I had get very angry about.

I want to give a heartfelt thank you to Habitat for Humanity; but, most of all to all the wonderful, caring, compassionate volunteers. I feel truly blessed. Thank you …Thank you all for making my life better than ever by having a home of my own and giving me the American Dream. I will be forever grateful to all of you. And I will pass on your kindness.

Diane Johnson

Diane Johnson (right) helps volunteers raise a wall at a house celebration party.