DRS recognizes Appalachian Botanical Company in Foster as an exemplary employer

10/28/21
From left: Mike Lamb, DRS Employment Specialist; Marina Sawyer, Chief Technical Officer; Jocelyn Sheppard, President and Founder; Alyce Almond, DRS Employment Services Manager
From left: Mike Lamb, DRS Employment Specialist; Marina Sawyer, Chief Technical Officer; Jocelyn Sheppard, President and Founder; Alyce Almond, DRS Employment Services Manager

Appalachian Botanical Company in Foster is recognized by the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) as an exemplary employer and partner as part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month this October.

Appalachian Botanical Company has demonstrated excellence in its diverse hiring practices by creating an inclusive workplace, and DRS recognizes this organization for its positive contributions within our communities.

Appalachian Botanical Company was nominated because of its commitment to employing individuals who face barriers to employment, including those with disabilities, substance use disorders, criminal histories, and the underemployed. The company offers a flexible work schedule to accommodate those with varying needs, and they also work with outside organizations to provide transportation to their worksite for those that face this significant barrier to employment. The company has hired DRS consumers, and those individuals remain employed at this time.

Mike Lamb

DRS Employment Specialist

DRS, an agency of the West Virginia Department of Commerce, is responsible for the federal vocational rehabilitation program in West Virginia, which enables and empowers West Virginians with disabilities to work and to live independently. DRS helps adults, as well as high school and college students with disabilities set work goals and develop career plans to overcome employment-related barriers so they can go to work or maintain current employment. DRS assists West Virginia’s businesses and employers by being their primary employment resource to include or to retain people with disabilities in their workforce.

For more information about DRS and its programs, call 1-800-642-8207 or visit the division’s website at wvdrs.org.