Suffolk News-Herald

The attendance was few in number, but those receiving certificates of appreciation for jobs well done displayed the same enthusiasm and excitement as if there were many present to applaud their honor.

This first recognition breakfast was an awards program sponsored by Elevare and held recently in the Farm Fresh Community Room at 1401 N. Main St.

The event was held to honor employees of Elevare, consumers with disabilities who sought employment through Elevare and consumer businesses or employers who use employment through Elevare. It was also held to recognize individual employees for their achievements in obtaining competitive employment, doing excellent jobs for employers and for their hard work and dedication in serving the community.

Those receiving certificates of appreciation were as follows: Larry Anderson and Annette Brown, employees of Elevare; and Erica Cross, consumer. Businesses receiving certificates were Fire Mountain, Mike Duman, Auto Sales, Portco, Diversified Industrial Concepts, McDonalds of Smithfield and Food Lion on Portsmouth Boulevard.

Anderson has been employed at Elevare for four months as an Employment Specialist Job Coach and Brown has been employed as a receptionist for nine years. Cross is an employee at Fire Mountain. Others receiving certificates but not present at the breakfast will be announced at a later date.

Elevare, located at 135 S. Saratoga St., and specializes in finding jobs for individuals who have some form of disability, but are able to hold down capable jobs in the community in capable fields.