Café Joseph of Parkersburg Recognized as Runner-Up Employer Award Honoree for Inclusive Hiring and Dedication to Employee Growth
12/01/25The West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) is proud to honor Café Joseph of Parkersburg, WV as an Employer Award recipient for their outstanding efforts in creating a supportive and inclusive workplace for individuals with disabilities.
Café Joseph has partnered with DRS and SW Resources to provide on-site assessments, training, and job coaching, ensuring that job seekers receive the tools they need to succeed. In addition, the café has gone above and beyond by paying participants while they engage in Work Adjustment Training and job coaching, demonstrating a strong investment in both the individual and the process of skill development.
What sets Café Joseph apart is their flexibility and openness in hiring individuals with disabilities while remaining attentive to their unique needs and challenges. Their staff recognizes the importance of helping DRS consumers build confidence, stamina, and maturity—key components of achieving long-term employment success. Even after CRP services conclude, Café Joseph remains committed to providing natural support in the workplace to ensure sustainability and growth.
As Café Joseph’s Amy Defibaugh shared: “We encourage diversity and positive, flexible work experiences. Everyone brings something special to the team. We pride ourselves on hiring those with challenges from the public and nonprofit training programs.”
By fostering an environment that values patience, opportunity, and encouragement, Café Joseph has shown that inclusive hiring not only benefits the employee but also strengthens the workplace and the community.
Congratulations to Café Joseph of Parkersburg on being named a 2025 Employer Award Runner Up.
Pictured L-R: Angela Reed Employment Specialist, Amy Defibaugh Business Development Director, Shannon Collins Manager, Beverly Johnson, Lauren Snyder, Morgan Cunningham, Pheonyx Gunnels, Jason Stiers, and Yevin Petty