Columbia City, Ind. — To honor her extraordinary commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities, the Community Foundation of Whitley County has awarded the 2025 Dennis and Judith Hudson Commitment of the Heart Award to Kelsie Jones. Jones is an employment specialist with the Columbia City location of Easterseals Northeast Indiana.
The award was established to honor the Hudsons’ memory by recognizing outstanding staff working with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities in Whitley County. The award celebrates direct support professionals and other staff who go above and beyond for the individuals they support, showing love, compassion and patience.
The Hudsons cared for their daughter Lori in their home as long as they were able, and the family was grateful to find a safe and caring place for her to live with Easterseals Northeast Indiana in Columbia City, which was Passages Inc. at the time. Her sister, Jill Elkins, is now Lori’s guardian and helped present the award to Jones.
Jones has been with Easterseals for four years and was nominated for the award by Allison Haywood, regional director of employment services for Easterseals Community Network, the parent organization of Easterseals Northeast Indiana.
“Her work with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Whitley County reflects unwavering compassion, extraordinary patience, and a depth of commitment that extends far beyond the expectations of her role,” Haywood wrote in her nomination. “One of the clearest examples of her dedication is her work with an individual who unexpectedly lost his caregiver, became homeless, and received an autism diagnosis in his 40s. Despite overwhelming systemic barriers … Kelsie never walked away. Instead, she stepped in as the person who refused to let him fall through the cracks.”
Haywood went on to describe his family’s profound gratitude and amazement at his progress with Jones’ support.
“Kelsie’s compassion does not stop with one individual. With every client, she demonstrates the same willingness to do whatever it takes,” Haywood wrote. “Kelsie does not do this work for recognition. She does it because she genuinely cares. Her compassion is constant, her presence steady, and her advocacy tireless.”
Jones’ name will be added to a plaque listing each year’s winner, and she will receive a financial award.