The challenges, trials and tribulations faced by Antonio Graves not only helped prepare him for his current job, but also led to his life calling.
Graves, a case manager with the Coming Home program in the City of Amarillo (COA) Community Development Department, has overcome many life obstacles:
Mental health issues, substance abuse issues, incarceration, homelessness, suicidal thoughts and the loss of family members. At one point in his life, he was the victim of a shooting that nearly took his life.
“At one time in my life, I was unstable. That would be the best way to put it,” said Graves, an Amarillo native who turns 62 in October. “I felt alone and unimportant. I had anger issues and made poor choices.
“My Dad always told me I was going to hell and would bust it wide open.”
As it turns out, going through hellish times led Graves to a higher calling, not only for himself but to help others going through similar troubles.
Graves has been with the COA Community Development Department and Coming Home for just more than a year. Coming Home, launched in 2018, is a multifaceted outreach and supportive housing program that serves individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
That is just part of Graves’ story. About eight months ago, he began his own ministry – Full Armor Ministries, which includes meeting men released from incarceration and providing resources – free of judgment.
“I know it sounds a little crazy being where I am now, but if I had not been through all the hell I went through and survived, I would not be able to help people,” Graves said. “I believe in a higher power. Sometimes you have to go through it to get to it.”
The turning point for Graves, who accepted the call to ministry in 2011, was taking a long, hard look in the mirror.
“I was sick of being sick and tired of being tired,” Graves said. “I asked myself, what are you going to do about it?”
Graves knew he needed counseling. He leaned on his wife, Tina (they have been together more than 20 years and married for 17 years), found a church where he felt comfortable and also found mentors in church leaders and a family member who provided guidance.
Graves was ordained and licensed in 2014 and has earned two state certifications related to his Coming Home position. He has six children, 16 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. About five years before his father died in 2020, Graves reconciled with his father, developed a strong bond and was with his father when he died. He also gave a eulogy at his father’s funeral.
“With Coming Home, my job is to help individuals become more self-sufficient and learn life skills and help them get the help and support they need,” Graves said. “With Full Armor Ministries, I want to understand the person. Just because I have been in that position does not mean I understand. Every person is different. I want to get to know them first and show empathy and patience and to respect them as a human being.”
For Graves, it was all part of God’s plan for his life.
“I should have been dead,” Graves said. “Without God, I would not be where I am now. I am not perfect. God is still preparing me and molding me every day.”
For more information on the Coming Home program, go to: https://www.cominghomeamarillo.org
For more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at 806-378-5219 or by email at david.henry@amarillo.gov.