Home / Dennis and Judith Hudson Commitment of the Heart Award

The Dennis and Judith Hudson Commitment of the Heart Award Fund

…was created in memory of Dennis Hudson and in honor of his wife, Judy, to recognize a direct support professional (DSP) working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Whitley County. It will be presented once a year at the annual meeting of Passages, Inc.

Nominations may be made by anyone who has witness a care provider/direct support professional who goes above and beyond for the people the nominee serves; showing love, compassion, and patience. These characteristics mirror the qualities Denny Hudson demonstrated in his commitment to caring for his family.

Melanie Thornsberry was selected as the inaugural recipient of the award in September of 2020. She serves as the house manager and DSP at Passages’ Hanna Street Group Home.

Award Criteria

  • The individual must work with Passages, Inc. or work with people with intellectual or physical disabilities in Whitley County for at least one year.
  • An individual may only receive the award one time.
  • Special consideration will be given to those who go above and beyond for their clients; showing love, compassion and patience.
  • Nominations may be made by anyone who has witnessed the nominee in action; this includes family and friends of clients as well as Passages co-workers.
  • Nominations may be submitted by email, handwritten correspondence, or via this web form.
  • Selection of the award recipient will be determined by a committee of Passages’ board members.
  • The award recipient will receive a plaque as well as a financial award at the Passages annual meeting each fall.