Inspired by her mother, Deb Johnson helps those in need

When she retired from her job in 2010, Deb Johnson knew that she wanted to spend a significant amount of time with her grandchildren. But she also had an itch to do volunteer work.

She joined Fairfield's chapter of Habitat for Humanity, and will conclude eight years of service when she leaves the board this fall. During that time, she's served as secretary and chair of the Homeowner Support Committee. That committee is responsible for ensuring that prospective homeowners complete the 'sweat equity” hours as well as required education courses to prepare them for responsible homeownership.

'Our houses are built in cooperation with the Construction Technology class at Fairfield High School,” Johnson said. 'I make sure that every Friday there are cookies for the students to celebrate the end of the week. This is accomplished with the help of some wonderful women in our community.”

Johnson said it's rewarding to know that she has played a role in helping a family obtain a safe, stable home.

'Seeing the pride in their accomplishment and their willingness to partner with Habitat gives me a great deal of satisfaction,” she said. 'We are giving them a hand up, not a handout as they have a mortgage and will pay for their house.”

Johnson said the thing she finds most rewarding is dedicating the house once it's completely done, but before the moment it is officially closed on. She said that, during this time, member of the Habitat board and the new homeowners have an opportunity to speak. Members of the community are invited to these dedications and have an opportunity to tour the home at that time.

'I have recently become actively involved in fundraising for our local Habitat,” Johnson said. 'Amber Stump McDowell, our board treasurer, and I have been calling on local businesses and major employers to seek financial support for our mission. We have met with very positive responses which has been gratifying. Raising money is an ongoing mission for any nonprofit and Habitat is no exception. I have had an interest in fundraising for some time and have welcomed the opportunity to get involved in this aspect of the organization.”

In addition to her work with Habitat, Johnson serves on the board of her homeowners association. She's also the treasurer of her church, and a substitute volunteer at The Lord's Cupboard. She's on Fairfield's Civil Service Commission, too.

Background

Johnson grew up in the Lockridge area, and graduated from Fairfield High School and later Wartburg College, where she obtained a degree in social work. She worked for the Iowa Department of Human Services in Iowa for over 30 years, doing child and adult protection work. She has three children, all of whom are married and live in Iowa, and nine grandchildren. When her children were growing up, the family lived on a farm southeast of Fairfield where her youngest son and his family now reside. She moved to Fairfield about 10 years ago.

'During my youth and early adulthood, my volunteer work centered on church,” Johnson recalled 'I have played piano for my church services in Lockridge at First Augustana Lutheran for over 50 years. In addition, I taught Sunday school and was involved in the women's group on a local and regional level. I also served on the Jefferson County Rural Water board for several years.”

Johnson said the main person who inspired her to be a volunteer is her mother, LaVon Hostetler. Hostetler has always been involved in volunteer activities and at 89, continues to be actively involved in volunteering.

'She has made hundreds of Little Dresses for Africa, and is currently sewing masks for pandemic use,” Johnson said. 'Watching her over the years made me realize the importance of doing things for others.”