By Melanie Ruberti

melanie.ruberti@lagrangenews.com

LaGRANGE – The Daily News’ weekly Neighbors series features one person from LaGrange and the surrounding area. This week we sought out Yvonne Lopez, Chief Executive Officer of the Ark Refuge Ministries Inc. Lopez continues to honor her husband’s legacy in helping former addicts and homeless men restore their lives physically, mentally and spiritually. She has recently taken the lead in several community outreach programs.

LaGrange Daily News: How long have you lived in LaGrange?

Yvonne Lopez: “I have lived in LaGrange a little more than a year, but I’ve been working in LaGrange for more than eight years.”

LDN: Where did you live before moving to LaGrange?

Lopez: “I lived in Atlanta for 28 years.”

LDN: What do you like most about the community?

Lopez: “I love the way the citizens and leaders are trying to work together to bring unity and understanding from both sides. I love the participation from citizens when leaders are organizing events for the community.

“I am also amazed at how law enforcement agencies work directly with local organizations and citizens … and provide community services and bring more unity to the area.

“I love to be involved in organizations whose mission is to move the community forward.”

LDN: Where do you work?

Lopez: “I’m the Chief Executive Officer of the Ark Refuge Ministries Inc and the coordinator of the new LaGrange – Troup County Warming Center.”

LDN: What do you like most about your job?

Lopez: “I love helping the men in the program grow into self-sufficient citizens … and to develop a program that fits their individual needs. I love being involved in different organizations within the community, which also provides additional resources for the men in the ministry.”

LDN: What organizations are you a part of?

Lopez: “Troup Leadership, Homeless Coalition, LaGrange – Troup County Warming Center, LaGrange – Troup County Community Outreach committee, LaGrange Police Department Hiring Board, LaGrange Rotary Club, Station of Hope for the Georgia Office Reentry program and the Calumet Village Neighborhood Association.”

LDN: What is the legacy you would like to leave in the community?

Lopez: “I want everyone to know that my passion is helping people. Knowledge is power and I am thankful if I can teach people something new … the importance of service, giving back to the community and putting other before yourself.

“I try to live by these words every day: ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.’” (Matthew 6:33)

‘Neighbors’ is a weekly series by the Daily News that highlights community members. To nominate a person to be featured call 706-884-7311 or message us on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/LaGrangeDailyNews.