Aces of Trades: Laura Johnston has numerous duties at Fairfield Center for disABILITIES
LANCASTER − It's safe to say Laura Johnston has a busy job.
Johnston is the ramp program coordinator for the Fairfield Center for disABILITIES and its equipment loan closet coordinator. She has been with the agency since 2019.
"When people are in need of a ramp and are unable to pay a contractor we provide them with one," she said of the ramp program. "They call in and as long as they are qualified I set up with our very talented volunteer ramp team. They design and build a ramp that is specifically that person's home."
The agency currently builds about 100 ramps per year on average and has completed about 1,500 since 2000.
As for the loan closet, the agency loans out about 50 pieces of equipment each month to those who have had surgery or are ill and need medical equipment. The loan program is free and the client can keep the equipment for as long as necessary.
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Along with her other duties, Johnston is also responsible for the agency's online presence.
"So everything you see on our website, as well as our Facebook, Instagram, I'm the person who takes care of that," she said. "And the events we're involved in, I play a huge part in getting those set up and making sure all of the stuff is prepared for them as well as carrying them out."
The center at 681 E. Sixth Ave provides four services, each designed to assist people in living full lives within their community. It offers medical appointment transportation, home ramp construction and offers the free medical equipment.
Its main focus, though, is its adult day program, which the center said provides support to people as they explore their personal interests, learn essential life skills and move towards a fulfilled life.
Before coming to the Fairfield Center for disABILITIES, Johnston was an outreach and activity coordinator for a local church. She said her current job is about more than just making money, in that the agency helps people in need.
"The people that I work with and the purpose of my work has always meant the most to me," Johnston said. "So if I can go to work for a day, come home and feel like I've somehow made a difference, even if it's played a very small part, that's a reward."
Away from work, Johnston is involved with Faith Memorial Church. She's is on the church's worship team and plays pickleball in a church group. Johnston also works with the children's ministry there.
"We also love spending time in our camper," she said. "And I love spending time with my daughter (Laila) and my husband (Aaron)."
jbarron@gannett.com
740-681-4340
Twitter: @JeffDBarron
This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Johnston has numerous duties at Fairfield Center for disABILITIES
