A member of the Saint Joseph community is receiving statewide recognition for service to mental health.

James Graves was honored Thursday after 12 years of service on the Family Guidance Center Community Board. Recognition came during the Missouri Coalition for Community Behavioral Healthcare Conference in Branson.

Graves was appointed twice as the Family Guidance Center Board Chair and served three times as chair of the Finance Committee. He finishes out his final term this year, as statutes limit board appointments to 12 years. During his time on the board, Graves saw the Family Guidance Center organization grow to a new 35,000 square foot office and treatment center. He was a major supporter of that project, and was a leader of the capital campaign that funded the new location.