CHARLESTON, WV – First Lady Cathy Justice presented her second ever Rhododendron Award today to a woman who has dedicated her life to using West Virginia’s abundant natural resources to help rehabilitate those struggling with substance use disorder and to assist others in avoiding addiction.
The First Lady’s Rhododendron Award recognizes individuals in West Virginia who have demonstrated goodness and worked for the betterment of their communities. In particular, this award seeks to recognize the “unsung heroes” throughout West Virginia, whose work has made a significant difference in the lives of others.
Tammy Jordan – Founder and President of Fruits of Labor, Inc. in Rainelle, WV – was presented the award during a ceremony at the Governor’s Reception Room inside the State Capitol Building in Charleston today.
Fruits of Labor, Inc. is a nationally certified culinary arts and agricultural education training center, focusing on addiction prevention and treatment.
“It really is just an incredible place that caters to helping all kinds of people – people who want to rehabilitate their lives, or people who just need guidance for a good head start,” First Lady Justice said. “Tammy and her team are constantly mentoring and teaching, they’re kind, and they’re exactly the kind of people we need in West Virginia to solve our opioid problem.”
Fruits of Labor, Inc. is the only American Culinary Federation-certified program in West Virginia. Their farm-to-table culinary and agricultural training curriculum provides industry-relevant education opportunities in a safe environment. The program also offers intensive personal and professional development to improve future job opportunities.
“It’s so powerful to be able to reach out and touch lives and say we are here with you, we believe in you,” Jordan said. “Sometimes, out of the greatest challenges, rise opportunities to recover above and beyond and we speak that every day to our students that not only are we living in the recovery effort of our community, we are embracing the recovery effort of individuals.
“I truly appreciate the award, for you thinking of us, and for the opportunity to share our story today.”