Columbia City, Ind. — The Community Foundation of Whitley County has awarded the Dennis and Judith Hudson Commitment of the Heart Award for 2024 to Mataya Cody.
The award was established to honor the Hudsons’ memory by recognizing an outstanding direct support professional (DSP) working with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities in Whitley County. The award celebrates DSPs who go above and beyond for the individuals they support, showing love, compassion and patience.
Cody has been a DSP with Easterseals Passages since 2020. A co-worker who said it was a blessing to work with Cody nominated her for the award, noting that Cody always advocates for the individuals she supports.
“Mataya has built great and positive relationships with each and every participant that she has met,” co-worker Amelia Meeks wrote in the nomination. “Mataya has only ever had love to give to her participants and always makes sure to go above and beyond no matter the situation.”
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 Passages. Her sister, Jill Elkins, is now Lori’s guardian and helped present the award to Cody.
Cody’s name will be added to a plaque listing each year’s winner, and she will receive a financial award.