For twenty years, Kelly Ruther worked in various aspects of the customer service field and many of the skills she learned carried over to her work as a Direct Support Professional.   Kelly began her career caring for individuals with disabilities at a different provider and she enjoyed the work. The person she served moved to a different state with her family, so she applied to work at Bost.  Jahmane Henton in the Bost Russellville Waiver Officebhired Kelly and she has been here since!  She said her first impression of Bost was “welcoming” and she was glad to be here.

Kelly and the individual she serves, Tuesdai, lead a busy life together!  They leave home around 9:30, go shopping, on walks, and they enjoy going to Conway for lunch.  She and Kelly spend quite a bit of time at the library, where Kelly helped Tuesdai apply for jobs.  Through that effort, she gained employment with Western Sizzlin!  Kelly assisted her, like a job coach would, by preparing Tuesdai for her interview and letting her know what to expect.  Kelly gave her some great advice, “Be honest and be yourself because that is who they will be hiring.”  With that in mind, Tuesdai was able to cope with the stress and nerves of the interview process and the new job.  It helped her feel far more confident.  Tuesdai was hired as a weekend dishwasher at Western Sizzlin about a month ago and she loves it!

The COVID pandemic presented some challenges for their situation.  Tuesdai worked at the office in Russellville and when the offices were shut down, she needed an outlet.  Kelly helped her learn how to crochet to keep her busy and her boredom at bay.  She was able to make many Christmas gifts for her family through the new skill Kelly taught her!  Kelly also recently introduced her to Diamond Painting.  She wanted to know how everything worked, tried it, and LOVED it.  Tuesdai’s home is now decorated with her many paintings.

Kelly’s supervisor, Shirley Hatley, said, “Kelly tells me she loves her job, and it shows. She brings a calming effect to the individual she serves. Kelly has an amazing work ethic, is punctual, and very organized. She is dedicated and rarely misses work. Kelly gives a hundred and ten percent while working.”

Kelly celebrated her 18^th anniversary recently with her husband.  She has a 31-year-old son and two fur babies she calls her “spoiled brats.”  She likes to travel, spend time with her family, and be outdoors.

When asked what she hopes her impact is on the lives of those she serves, Kelly said, “There aren’t many people that understand that everyone has a chance.  Bost makes a difference by giving those chances or advocating for those chances. Bost teaches everyone to work together and individualize at the same time and help them to believe they CAN do it.  Give them the tools and the empowerment to know they may have special needs, but they still can do the same things anyone else can.”  Kelly firmly believes Bost encourages those we serve and their staff to feel that way.

Shirley Hatley said, “We need more Kellys in this world.” Kelly Ruther, thank you for all you do.