Rhonda Grace, Founder
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 University majoring in Interior Design. Rhonda is a former business owner in Ruston, LA. She is the mother of two daughters, five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
*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 halfway house.
*October 1, 2001 to present – Opened up 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 Assocation 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
Misty Loe, Executive Director
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. John 15:12
Misty was born and raised in Monroe, LA. She is married with two sons and two daughters. She began as a volunteer at Grace Place in 2015, and quickly realized what an amazing ministry this was...that serves food and provides clothing to some of the most needy and vulnerable people in Ouachita Parish, but also most importantly, shares their LOVE with the people and spreads God's love and His word with them every day! It is such an honor and an absolute joy to get to know the people whom we serve and whom our Lord holds so dear!
Lisa Kvaternik, Office Manager
We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name. Psalm 33:20-21
After much prayer, Lisa moved back to the area from North Carolina to care for her aging parents. Learning from her parents how to help others, she is able to put into practice those lessons at Grace Place. I love helping those "shop" in the clothes closet and put together outfits so they can go to church feeling good about themselves.
Brenda Cleveland, Kitchen
Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. Luke 6:31
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.
Karen Callagen, Clothes Closet
"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!
Tandi Thomas, Clothes Closet
An now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13
Tandi grew up in West Monroe and currently resides in Monroe. She loves her job at Grace Place and the opportunity it allows her to meet new people. Serving others brings her joy and humility. Everyone has a story, and she would love to hear yours!