RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A Virginia corrections official is being honored for her work to help offenders restore their civil rights.

The Department of Corrections says senior probation and parole officer Sandra Barr was one of 11 corrections officials nationwide named the "Best in the Business" by Corrections Today, published by the American Correctional Association.

Barr organized two classes that helped a total of 38 ex-offenders regain their right to vote, sit on a jury, hold public office and be a notary public. During the classes Barr worked one-on-one with the attendees and helped each of them begin the paperwork process to restore their rights. She has continued the classes this summer.

In Virginia, felons must apply to have their rights restored by the governor.