Dave Tudor and Drew Rush have been named Shining Stars for Rosewood Services Inc., based upon their stellar work performances in July. Both employees were selected by their peers at Rosewood for recent exemplary service in assisting clients and coworkers.
Tudor volunteered his time on a Saturday to help with Rosewood’s Aktion Club Garage Sale. Aktion Club, a Kiwanis service leadership program, fosters active community participation and contribution from people with developmental disabilities. Tudor took a client, who also wanted to participate, to the garage sale. Tudor also put in extra effort to ensure that the clients had an enjoyable 4th of July celebration.
Rush earned his award by volunteering his time off to taking clients to local softball games. He also helps with horse shows on weekends, which independent riders from Rosewood compete in across the state among riders from other agencies.
Rush works at the Rosewood Ranch, and most mornings can be found in the arena leading the horses during therapeutic riding lessons, teaching clients basic horseback riding. Working toward NARHA instructor certification, Rush is instrumental in helping with the Rosewood Rodeo each October. NARHA is an organization that promotes equine-assisted activities and therapies for individuals with special needs. Rush has been employed with Rosewood for two years.
Rush, who works in day services, said he enjoys being able to provide opportunities for people with disabilities that other people may take for granted. He thanked Rosewood for giving him the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of so many people. Rush, who lives in Great Bend, enjoys spending time with family and friends, working in the shop, and riding horses.
Tudor, who works in the Residential department, has been with Rosewood since May 2008. Tudor said being part of Rosewood and all it offers to clients and staff “makes me feel great.” He and his wife, Mary, live in Ellinwood.
Rosewood Services is the largest provider of services in Southwest Kansas and one of the largest providers in the state, serving more than 140 clients with disabilities and employing more than 120 people in the area. Rosewood has been serving clients with its unique and effective programs for a dozen years.