Our Team

Born in 1951, Rhonda grew up in El Dorado, Arkansas where she was raised in a Christian home and was a member of the Methodist Church. She graduated from El Dorado High School and attended Louisiana Tech Univeristy majoring in Interior Design. Rhonda is a former business owner in Ruston, LA. She is the mother of two daughters, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She currently attends Christ Church in West Monroe, LA

*Called at age 15 to work with alcohol & drug addictions.

*2000 to 2001 – Trained on the streets of New Orleans as the director of a women’s half-way house, specifically ministering to prostitutes and hard-core addicts

*October 1, 2001 to present – Opened up and directed Grace Place Ministries, Inc. (Soup Kitchen & Clothes Closet) .

*2002 – Certificate of completion – Caring for People God’s Way.

*April 3, 2003 – Ordained as a minister by Mercy Ministries International, New Orleans, LA.

*2002 – Member of American Association of Christian Counselors.

*2012 – Awarded the Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award by the City of Monroe.

*2015 – Certified Responder/Chaplain by Crisis Response International.

*2021 - Founder/CEO Bird Song Retreat

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17

Andrea is originally from Monroe and has lived in Scottsdale, AZ for the past 20 years. In 2018, she was called to come back home with her two daughters to be near family. She is a active member of Christ Church in West Monroe where she is involved in women's ministry, small groups and youth. She is also a member of the WM Chamber of Commerce.

She graduated with a Master's in Science at ULM and has owned her own companies since 2003. Her graphics and web design company (FocusBoo.com) created two divisions where she designs a Christian based clothing line sold on Amazon Prime call FaithinBlackandWhite.com, as well as children's book and trading cards called GumbopotKids.com. She has over 12 years working with non profits including horse therapy, foster children, churches and soup kitchens. "We're called to love through the eyes of Christ."

When she started volunteering at Grace Place, she felt like God had her there for a purpose. "When God calls, step out!" Her passion is to serve and "plant" into other's lives for the Glory of God. "We're called to be a light, a reflection of Jesus in this world, so let's shine bright!"

"But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31

Karen is originally from Luling, LA and lived in the Monroe area since 2017. She is married and has one son and two grandchildren. She loves to be able to love on and bless others. Running the clothes closet, she enjoys the one on one conversations. Karen has a beautiful testimony, so make sure you ask her about it!

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Irma is originally from Monroe and has 6 kids and 13 grandchildren. She loves being at Grace Place where the people are kind and humble. "If I can rise from where I've been in my past, anyone can!"

Brenda is born and raised in Monroe and lives with her two sons. Her favorite part about working at Grace Place is being able to talk to the people and feel the presence of God all around her.