“I fell in love with the residents when I first started working at Covenant Village as a teenager.”

Kelly Rushing stands out as the most tenured staff member at Covenant Village, with an impressive 43 years of dedicated service. She credits her long-lasting relationship with the residents as the secret to her enduring commitment.

“I fell in love with this job right from the start when I was a part-time worker in high school, and I’ve never left,” Kelly says, her face beaming with a smile and a heart full of joy. Over the years, she has taken on roles across various food service departments, each adding to her rich experience.

When asked what she loves most about her work, Kelly’s eyes light up. “I love to cut up with them.  They call me one of the Golden Girls.”

Kelly met her husband, Tim, when he also worked at Covenant Village. After 23 years in heating and air conditioning maintenance, Tim spent five additional years working for the City of Gastonia before retiring.

Kelly shared that when she retires, she and Tim are excited about spending more time camping and biking the trails in the Carolinas. Yet, as she shares these plans, many residents stop by Norman’s to say hello. Kelly’s warm, welcoming nature quickly shifts her focus from retirement talk back to her cherished residents.

When asked about the bonus she will receive from this year’s Workforce Investment/Staff Bonus fund, Kelly expresses heartfelt gratitude. “To know that this comes directly from the residents means the world to me. They don’t have to do this, but they choose to do this for us.  It means the world to me.”

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At Covenant Village, service and care are shown through first-name relationships and attentive care that isn’t limited by time, provided by trained, compassionate staff who often feel like extended family. Supporting the annual Workforce Investment/Staff Bonus fund is a way to express appreciation. Donations can be made by check using the red envelopes available at the main entrances and the Resident Mail Center, or online at covenantvillagenc.com/giving.