PHOTO CREDIT: Melinda McKnight
With a 34-year career within the Arkansas and Cleveland County Departments of Human Services, Melinda, 68, has always had an innate desire to help others. Even in retirement, she found new ways to give back to her community. She quickly got involved with Cleveland County Cares, a non-profit organization that provides support to families in need, where she volunteers her time and serves as the organization’s Chief Financial Officer.
Honoring her Past and Protecting her Future
In the Fall of 2014, Melinda faced a heartbreaking loss when her mother was diagnosed with lung cancer and passed away just a few months later. Though grief weighed heavily on her, Melinda drew strength from her mother’s memory, transforming her pain into purpose and becoming more aware of her own health risks.