Kanawha Delegate Bonnie Brown was recently honored by the state Division of Rehabilitation Services for her support of vocational rehabilitation and of West Virginians with disabilities.

“Being presented with the ‘Mountains of Gratitude’ award was a very special moment for me,” Delegate Brown said. “One of the most gratifying aspects of my work as a legislator is helping empower people to better their own lives, and that is what the Division of Rehabilitation Services is all about.”

The agency is a division of the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts and is responsible for the federal vocational rehabilitation program in the state, which assists people whose physical or mental condition is interfering with their ability to get or keep a job.

During the banquet Sept. 22 at the Stonewall Jackson Resort, the division also presented Employer Recognition awards to six state employers, including Center Hardware in St. Albans.

“I was very proud that our Center Hardware is among the employers recognized for providing job opportunities to individuals with disabilities,” Brown said. “Such employers realize the value of these employees and are willing to work with the state to ensure they receive the training and assistance they need.”