Building Partnerships, Strengthening Communities Through Workplace Literacy

Article by Debbie Hamrick, G.C.D.F., Adult & Career Education Coordinator,
Franklin County Public Schools 
 

Living in a rural community like Franklin County, Virginia, means neighbors often become lifelong friends. I have known Henry and Glenna Jamison and their family for more than 25 years. Their farm is less than three miles from my home, and their daughter even babysat my children one summer. Over the years, I would regularly see Henry and Glenna when they catered events at The Franklin Center, where my office is located. Their delicious food was always a highlight, and everyone in the building looked forward to the occasions when Back 40 BBQ & Bakery catered an event—especially the leftovers!

In the fall of 2024, Henry shared exciting news: he had purchased property in Ferrum, Virginia, and was building a restaurant that would also serve as the home of their constantly growing catering business, Back 40 BBQ & Bakery. As we talked about his plans, he mentioned that his staff would need ServSafe Food Handler and Food Protection Manager certifications before opening. He asked if The Franklin Center could help.

I was happy to tell him that Franklin County Adult & Career Education could provide exactly what he needed.

Together, we developed a workplace literacy class tailored to the needs of his business. Through a Memorandum of Understanding, Adult Education agreed to provide digital literacy instruction, computer access, and proctoring for the online ServSafe certification exams. In turn, Back 40 BBQ & Bakery allowed employees to complete their training during paid work hours, demonstrating a strong commitment to investing in their workforce.

Like many new businesses, construction delays pushed back the restaurant’s opening. We stayed in touch throughout the process, and when Henry called in the spring of 2025 to say they were preparing for a July opening, we were ready to move forward.

As we finalized the training, we recognized a unique challenge. Due to the religious beliefs of many of the employees, most had little or no experience using email or the internet. However, they were permitted to use technology for work-related purposes. This presented an opportunity for Adult Education to make an even greater impact.

Our instructor, Lisa Swain, worked closely with each participant to build foundational digital literacy skills. Employees learned how to create and use email accounts, navigate computers, and access the online learning platform required for their certification courses.

With individualized support, they gained both the digital skills and the confidence needed to succeed.

The results speak for themselves. Between July and November 2025, participants in the Back 40 BBQ & Bakery Workplace Literacy Class earned nine ServSafe Food Handler Certifications and three ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certifications. Beyond the certifications, employees gained valuable technology skills that will continue to benefit them throughout their careers.

Today, I enjoy visiting Back 40 BBQ & Bakery—not only for the outstanding barbecue, homemade sides, and baked goods, but also to reconnect with the staff whose accomplishments I had the privilege of witnessing.

This partnership is an excellent example of how Franklin County Adult & Career Education works alongside local businesses to develop a skilled workforce, strengthen our community, and create opportunities for lifelong learning.

Henry and Glenna have already shared that they’ll be reaching out again as they hire new employees needing initial certifications and when established employees need to recertify. We look forward to continuing this successful partnership and helping even more individuals gain the skills and certifications they need to thrive.