Rosie Rivas started working in Grant County at the age of 9, her father was a contractor for Dekalb in 1979. Her parents and family worked each year in the fields for 50 years.
She moved to Ulysses in March of 1997.
"I started working as a certified nursing assistant at Bob Wilson Hospital and Western Prairie Senior Living from 1999 to 2000," she said.
Rosie eventually began taking EMTB (Emergency Medical Technician Basics) classes at Seward County Community College in 2000, while working for Kroy in the evening. In 2007, she worked up to EMT for Grant County EMS. Rosie tried fire fighter training while working for Grant County EMS. After she pulled the "dummy" out of a building, she became claustrophobic with the mask on her face. Her instructor, Ronnie, told her to breathe in and out. She was able to take off her mask
"It was very intense," she said.
After that, she no longer pursued the next phase of training.
Rosie battled pancreatic cancer in 2013. She underwent multiple surgeries.
"Thank God I'm 13 years cancer free," she said.
Rosie has been married to Faustino Rivas for 27 years. They have three grown children. She became mother/grandmother to three beautiful children whom she has raised since they were born. Her grandchildren are Isaiah, Alexus (a senior in high school), and Victoria (a freshman in high school). Rosie was a stay-at-home mom to them. She has a total of 13 grandchildren.
When an opening came up as a COVID investigator (COVID testing) in December 2020, Rosie applied and was offered the job, and began working part-time for Grant County Health Department.
She moved to her present position as WIC coordinator in January 2023.
"I help with food boxes, food stamps, and housing," Rosie said. "I also help at the front desk and assist the nurses. I have cross trained and helped with all positions."
She just finished helping teach A Matter of Balance Class at Grant County Senior Citizen's Center, which was a two day a week class for four weeks. It helped seniors learn balance and gain strength to help them prevent falls.
"The most rewarding part of my job is interacting with the community working different programs," she said. "I get to help people. I enjoy meeting new people and helping them find resources. I love helping everyone. It is extremely rewarding. The hardest part of my job is when there are not enough programs and unavailable resources."
Rivas likes living in Ulysses.
"We are like one big, happy family," she said. "We all come together as a community. We all help each other when we have community events. We are always there for one another."
Rosie was a Hispanic coordinator for Doves, Inc. She helped with the newsletters. She authored a report on women in Mexico about domestic violence going on. In 2005, she received the Dove Domestic Violence award.
Rosie Rivas - an extraordinary value to the Grant County community who has overcome cancer and is still caring for others. Rosie is a voice for those who need help. She loves serving others and her community.
Send your medical or law enforcement nominations for Responder of the Week to news2@ulyssesnews.com or call (620) 356-1201.
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