HSRC Employee of the Month November 2006

Martha Kidd

The Hot Springs Rehabilitation Center has named Martha Kidd, Housekeeper Supervisor in the Environmental Systems Services Department, as November's Employee of the Month. Praised for her willingness to "help out with anything she can," Kidd's 13-year service with the Center is certainly one to be lauded.

A native of Hot Springs and graduate of Langston High School, Kidd moved to Houston following graduation where she worked as a teacher's aide, and later in housecleaning at area hospitals.

Early on in her life, Kidd says "I used to go with my mother on her cleaning jobs, and have always been good at it… I always say," she adds with a laugh, "God and Mother set me on my path!"

Kidd worked at Levi Towers in Texas for six years but eventually Hot Springs called her back home when her mother and brother became seriously ill. She began searching the internet for employment. By word of mouth, she heard of the Center opening, and "it took me five times applying, but I finally got the job!"

Today she takes pride in assuring the bordering-on-ancient buildings are kept clean, rooms are well maintained, and students receive the training they need to pursue employment. She also supervises two staff and four students, all of whom "work as a team," she explains. "We're here to help, and I enjoy being able to do that. I love the job and enjoy all my co-workers; it's the best place to work."

Claims one of those co-workers, "She gives 110% to her job duties, then goes beyond by volunteering for any task she hears about. When you think she is spread as thin as she can go, she will volunteer for more. She is always cheerful and positive. Martha reflects dedication to the Center and our training." Kidd is front and center, as well, when weekend workers are needed to fill in due to absences.

Her positive attitude follows Kidd home, where she enjoys the company of her six sisters (four of whom still live in the Hot Springs area, two who live in Texas), and time spent with her husband, James, who has been employed by the Arlington Hotel for 17 years. Both find pleasure in the work they do, and retirement is some years away. Martha also enjoys crocheting when "spare time" allows her to sit back and pick up her needles.

But, Martha says, "I had an aunt who worked at the Center, and when she found out I got a job here, she told me ‘oh, you'll love it… you'll be there until you retire.' And she was right, I'm not even thinking that far ahead, but I plan to be here until then."