Almost unheard of in these days of mobility, employment shifts, and quick change, Laura Lockhart brings an almost 45-year career in the countyâs Human SerÂvices office to an end next Wednesday. We had an opportunity recently at the top of one of her very busy days to sit for a time with Laura, to reminisce and review her dediÂcated service to the county and its residents.
Her employment began with the county in March 1980, when she entered Human Services under the supervision of beloved Arlie Riggs. Laura became Director of the programs in 1991. As one might imagine, she has not only seen but shepherded many changes and fast developments in her proÂgram responsibilities. Laura took a minute to reflect, though, that through all the changes, she has experienced âa fairly stable, and competent, workforce.â
It became clear in our conversation why that dynamic in the office is so significant. In our smaller county, Laura and her staff have prided themselves on âone-on-one personal service,â and have consistently tried to address the recipients of Human Services programs as unique individuals. âA lot of attention is given to getting approÂpriate benefits to people,â Laura notes; âIn our hands-on approach, we identify the serÂvice programs people are eligible for and assist in getting the service to them.â In an aging community like ours, case numbers in elder and medical services have particÂularly grown.
Laura commented on how the basic dynamic of Human Services has evolved positively over the years. âWe have come a long way in aiming at clientsâ self-suffiÂciency; we have a lot more preventative stratÂegies than in previous years.â The evolution has been accompanied not only by program changes, but by how they are managed and administered. Across her career, Laura has immediately experienced the change from manual systems to computer systems, the latter themselves going through a number of iterations and revisions.
One of the more amusing stories Laura recounted had to do with the digital world. Seems that in the earlier days of required printouts, the officeâs printer broke down. It was going to be some time before the tech guy could get there for the necessary repairs, and for one thing, payroll had to be met. When he arrived a few days later, he was amazed to find that Lauraâs crew had made the repairs themselvesâwith magnets and duct tape! âWe told him,â Laura said, of course laughing, âthat weâre rural folk and know how to fix things when theyâre busted!â
That know-how has some much finer edges to it, of course; Laura and the staff over the years have taken advantage of trainÂings and consultations with state and other countyâs Human Services officials. Yet she has never lost sight of the unique Custer County perspective on the matters that fall under her responsibility. The interface of the technicalâthe overarching program is known as CBM, the Client Benefit ManageÂment Systemâwith the personal has always shown the personal face first and foremost. (Should you never have dropped in on cusÂtercounty-co.gov/HumanServices, do so; the number of assistance and preventive serÂvices available in the county is impressive.)
âIf you need help, weâre here,â Laura modestly stated. She also indicated that âwe simply follow the rules,â yet behind and within that professional demeanor is the pulse of a dedicated public employee who has literally, when we remember the in-home calls and field visits, gone the extra mile.
On behalf of the countless children, famÂilies, adults and seniors you have assisted through hard times, and on behalf of all Custer County citizens these last 45 years, the Tribune thanks you Laura. Not just for a job well done so painstakingly for four decades and a half, but for doing it with heart, compassion, and care.
Will we miss you? Of course! But we are also delighted that you enter retirement with a sense of accomplishment. And anticipaÂtion: Laura tells us that sheâs âjust going to relax a bit, with more freedom, not having to think about so much all the time!â Enjoy!
â W.A. Ewing
Photo Cutline: Laura Lockhart, set to retire next Wednesday after almost 45 years with Custer County Human Services, works until the last minute. Here, she is assisting a client walk through the procedures for necessary disability benefit supplements.
â Tribune photograph by W.A. Ewing