Joy Lundstrom is the superintendent of the Portage Township Department of Park and Recreation. She was given the job by Portage Township Trustee Brendan Clancy, who she met while helping with community service projects such as festivals.
According to Lundstrom, Clancy knew her work ethic and that she had experience with writing grants, which is what Clancy was looking for.
During a typical day at work, Lundstrom completes many tasks. She oversees park maintenance, identifies jobs for park employees to do, creates programming, searches from funding and grants, recruits businesses for sponsorship oppourtunities, plans and organizes.
To Lundstrom, the hardest part of the job is getting out the message to the community. It is challenging because the community constantly changes due to factors like new people moving in.
Lundstrom shared the story of how she became interested in what she does.
"I was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 24," Lundstrom explained.
At that time, she was just married and had just graduated from college barely a year prior to that.
"Although the cancer experience, itself, was challenging, the lesson I walked away with was like changing," Lundstrom said. "Instead of trying to figure out my career path, future family plans or where to set down roots as any graduate and newly married young woman would do, I was being pulled to 'give-back', to serve others in need."
Whether she is helping her family, her co-workers, or the community in general, Lundstrom tries to pay it forward as often as possible.
"God has blessed my husband and myself abundantly, and I truly believe in using those blessings to lift up someone else in need," Lundstrom said.
According to Lundstrom, she has been a part of the non-profit industry for over 20 years now.
Outside of her job, she is a part of the Kiwanis Club of Portage. She has been a member for over 5 years. Kiwanis Club is a global volunteer organization for children and families.
"We have a great club here in Portage; so many kind, caring members who have accomplished amazing projects and supported many projects and local organizations that help children," Lundstrom said.
Lundstrom said that the skills and experiences she has come in contact with throughout her life have led her to Portage Township. She enjoys working in the community and loves working for the Portage Township Trustee's office.
While she is not working, Lundstrom likes to spend time with her family and friends. She likes going to lunch with her friends, shopping with her nieces and going to Starbucks with her brother. When she has time, she likes to stay home with her husband and barbeque outdoors.