HER | Kathey Graves retirement from HandsOn celebrated

Cranford and Kathey Graves.
Cranford and Kathey Graves.

The retirement of Katherine "Kathey" Graves was celebrated in early July at the Collins Home on Olive Street, home of HandsOn Texarkana.

Before the nonprofit was HandsOn Texarkana, it was known as the Volunteer Center. It was located in an office at Southwest Center on Seventh Street. Kathey served these organizations for 23 years as director.

"We had one office where we worked and where the volunteers reported for their volunteer hours," Graves said. Eventually they moved to the Arkansas side of town to a bigger building where they operated for 10 years.

HandsOn Texarkana has been housed in The Collins Home for the past 11 years. It was deeded to HandsOn Texarkana by the Wadley Foundation.

HandsOn Texarkana has started several programs over the years, and they have blossomed into successes.

"I am very proud of this organization and how involved the community has been," Graves said at her retirement reception. "I guess I have led the charge, but it has been the community that has stepped up, and our foundation board has been so supportive."

Many kind words were tossed her way during her reception. She welcomes the new Director of HandsOn Texarkana, Amy Lemley, with open arms and a little advice.

"It is all about relationships," she said. "Someone told me that years ago and I will forever tell of how important a relationship is. When you have a strong, honest relationship with a person or business, the rest just falls into place."

Shanna Mudford has joined the staff as the administrative assistant.

(For more information about HandsOn Texarkana visit its website at handsontexarkana.org.)

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