Position plays to director's strengths

"Every print that's done directly supports The Factory Ministries, which is here to support individuals battling issues of poverty," said Liz Swirniuk, director of Factory Prints, which is part of The Factory Ministries, 3293 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise, a ministry that endeavors to walk alongside those in need in the Pequea Valley area. "Even with Christmas cards," added Swirniuk, who is currently running a special on New Year's postcards for those who did not check "Christmas cards" off their list prior to the arrival of the holiday.

Swirniuk was a cheerleader for Factory Prints years before she became the director last May. She first learned of the organization while working as youth and young adult manager with PA CareerLink Lancaster. "I was asked to go talk about paid work experience with The Factory, so in my head I pictured an industrial warehouse and manufacturing," recalled Swirniuk of her 2019 experience. "I was walking around (The Factory), and I was so confused," said Swirniuk, who had only recently arrived from Franklinville, N.J., armed with a degree in sociology from Rowan University. "I asked if it was a faith-based organization," she stated. "That was my introduction (to The Factory)."

Because of her dedication to at-risk youths, Swirniuk began mentoring with The Factory Youth Center. When she learned about Factory Prints, she was excited about the idea. "I thought it was brilliant," recalled Swirniuk, who soon asked her supervisor if she could use the service for young adult printing. "I became an unofficial spokesperson," she said. "I told all the businesses I worked with."

Sometime later Swirniuk learned that the director position for Factory Prints was open. She applied and was awarded the position. "I love it," she noted. "I love how diverse it is in responsibilities. I love the problem solving. I love the creative side of bringing art to life." Swirniuk admitted that the position may seem unusual for someone with a degree in sociology but that she uses the skills she gained in that area regularly. "Sociology forces you to think how individuals affect the whole," Swirniuk pointed out. "Here at The Factory, I am constantly being challenged as to how my business here affects the whole of the ministry." Swirniuk said that the job also fulfills her passion for helping others. "I love that I serve a role that empowers Factory participants," she said. "What I am doing is making a difference, and my strengths serve a role like this."

In the position, Swirniuk has completed jobs as small as fewer than 10 pieces and as large as 10,000. "We don't just do paper products," said Swirniuk, who listed retractable banners, yard signs, hanging vinyl banners, coasters, magnets, mugs, T-shirts, and hoodies among the items that can be printed. Factory Prints is able to stuff remittance envelopes and response cards through a partnership with local printers that believe in the mission of the organization.

Readers who would like to learn more may visit http://www.factoryprints.org.