Pictured Left to Right are Jenny Keener, Volunteer Media Communications Outreach Coordinator, Mike Lamb, Employment Specialist, District 1, Scott Jarrett, Executive Director and Katrina Stuart, Branch office Manager, Charleston.
The West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) is proud to honor Heart+Hand Outreach Ministries as an Employer Award recipient for their outstanding dedication to both community service and workforce inclusion.
For more than 60 years, Heart+Hand has been a cornerstone in the community, serving over 20,000 people each year. The organization provides food through its Food Pantry, as well as clothing, hygiene items, household goods, baby care supplies, and even beds for foster children. Their Community Room further strengthens connections by hosting classes, support groups, and events that bring people together and connect them with critical resources.
In addition to meeting urgent needs, Heart+Hand has consistently gone above and beyond to create opportunities for individuals with disabilities. They have welcomed several Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRPs), including Job Squad and Brian Faber, to provide onsite assessments, training, and job coaching. They have also supported DRS job seekers through Work Adjustment Trainings (WATs) and Community Based Assessments (CBAs), giving participants the chance to build workplace skills, confidence, and independence in a supportive environment.
Heart+Hand’s thrift store has been a particularly valuable training ground, where DRS clients can learn new skills, gain practical experience, and prepare for long-term success in the workforce. Their willingness to partner closely with DRS and provide meaningful opportunities reflects their deep commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive community.
As Mike Lamb, Employment Specialist, shared, “Heart and Hand has been a part of the community for 60 years and has allowed DRS clients to learn new skills in their thrift store which has greatly benefited our clients.”
Through compassion, service, and opportunity, Heart+Hand Outreach Ministries exemplifies the values of inclusion and empowerment, making them a deserving recipient of the Charleston District 2025 Employer Award.