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Shining Stars Awards go to Alloway and Freeman
biz rosewood shining stars picweb
Brandi Alloway (left) and Heidi Freeman pose for a photo together holding the Shining Stars banner, which depict them as recent winners of the award for services they performed in August. - photo by COURTESY PHOTO

One is a residential manager; the other is an administrative assistant. Respectively, Heidi Freeman and Brandi Alloway, perform different jobs for Rosewood Services Inc., yet they work toward similar goals: To improve the lives of their clients they serve and to support Rosewood’s staff. The two Rosewood employees recently were recognized as recipients of the Shining Star award, chosen by fellow Rosewood employees for their work performances last month.

Alloway’s is likely the first smiling face people see when they walk through the front door of Rosewood’s administrative building; she’s also apt to be the helpful voice who answers the telephone. Alloway balances her reception duties with those of serving as administrative assistant to the senior director, as well providing secretarial assistance to case-workers.

"Brandi does more and is more helpful than her position requires," said Rosewood senior director Vicki Schmitt. "She is always willing to help on projects and does not complain about her workload. Brandi is a quick learner and works with a good attitude. Everyone likes her and appreciates her hard work."

Alloway is engaged to Dustin Ellis, with a wedding schedule next year, in the fall. The couple has two children – a son, Degan Ellis, 4, and a daughter, Danyca Ellis, 1. Besides spending time with her family, Brandi enjoys riding motorcycles and 4-wheelers.

A three-year employee, Alloway said Rosewood is a unique place because "what we do and offer is so beneficial to those who need it." … "I enjoy working for Rosewood in the Administrative Building because it is such a family atmosphere where we all know each other very well."

As a residential manager, Freeman oversees the client homes and the staff who work there. She is charged with assuring that site-specific training is completed and that all services for home’s residents are being provided. Freeman said she likes going to each home and interacting with the clients and staff and she likes teaching people. The clients who receive services from Rosewood are "very special to me," she said.

"Heidi is always upbeat, positive and has a can-do attitude," said Freeman’s supervisor, Amanda Fellers, director of Residential Services. "Heidi is well liked by those she supervises; they feel comfortable confiding in her. They know they can rely on her."

Freeman, who has worked for Rosewood since November, is married to her husband, Chester. The Freeman’s have a 3-year-old daughter, Harleey. Heidi enjoys spending time with her family, as well as spending time in her "big veggie" garden.

Freeman said she feels honored that her co-workers think so much of her to honor her with an award. "It makes me feel appreciated and lets me realize everything I have done to help others."

Dirks fills new safety/security coordinator position at The Center
Jerry Dirks - The Center 2025
Jerry Dirks, originally from Albert, is the new safety/security coordinator at The Center for Counseling & Consultation. He brings 34 years of public service to the job.

The first full-time safety/security coordinator at The Center for Counseling & Consultation, 5815 Broadway Ave., is relying on his 34 years of public service to “ensure the safety of our clients and staff.”

Jerry Dirks has served as a safety officer, special investigator, deputy sheriff, police officer, assistant chief and correctional officer at many entities throughout central Kansas. He also has experience with fire safety and Emergency Medical Services.

“This type of background is a good fit for this new position and I am glad to be of service to The Center,” Dirks said. “I have known for years about its solid reputation as a great community resource because of their many services for those who face behavioral-health issues.”

Responsibilities in the position include analyzing electronic cameras and updating when necessary; risk management; staff safety training; oversight of transportation safety; fire drills and inspections; and guidance for clients and staff during inclement weather.

Dirks noted that he eagerly accepts these responsibilities and also is “glad to again be working with a team face to face.”

His most recent position was special investigator for the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, which entailed working out of a home office most of the time.

“I think of myself as a people person and enjoy teaming up with my new colleagues,” Dirks commented. “My experience working with all types of personalities will help me in this new job.

“Also, I still have contacts with local law enforcement and fire officials. I look forward to collaborating with them about all types of safety issues.”

Dirks earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Barton Community College and a bachelor’s in business administration at National College in Kansas City, Mo.

He is certified in first aid and CPR.

Wendy Lockwood, executive director at The Center, noted the safety/security position is especially important now that The Center “is growing in the number of clients and number of services we offer. Since we are a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, we provide not only various therapies and medication, but have also expanded community-based services such as housing, employment and veterans’ support services.

“It is gratifying to have Jerry here to coordinate all our safety efforts as we strive to meet the community’s needs in collaboration with our many partners. Jerry’s extensive background at the local and state levels will be invaluable to us every day.”

The Center for Counseling & Consultation, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, 5815 Broadway in Great Bend, serves Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties. Professionally trained personnel offer: individual and group therapy; marriage and family counseling; community-support services; community-based services; psychosocial rehabilitation; peer support; and medication management. The confidential 24/7 crisis hotline number is 800-875-2544.