Juvenile Employee Spotlight- SANDRA GRAY
Posted By: Marsha Bills
SANDRA GRAY ENJOYS HER WORK, HER FAMILY, AND HER HARLEY
Juvenile Collections Officer Sandra Gray began the new year in 1997 in a new job in the Henry Wade Juvenile Justice Center in collections where she has worked since, being promoted to the position of collections manager seven years later. “This department is special to me because we all work well together as a team to achieve our goals.”
That strong teamwork is needed to meet the challenges faced when dealing directly with parents and their children to collect court-assessed debts and fines. “But it is rewarding when parents thank me for working with them, and later hearing that their child has been rehabilitated, and is doing well in school,” says Sandra. “This work provides many life lessons when we have children of our own to keep on the path to success in school and life.”
“I have found my work very fulfilling and would advise any new clerk to work hard and take advantages of the many opportunities for training that Dallas County offers, such as the on-going seminars that address issues in setting goals, resolving conflicts and many other useful, real-world subjects.”
Born in Dallas, Sandra lived in Mesquite, where she graduated from high school, for 40 years. Now married, she lives with her husband and teenaged daughter in Ellis County where they attend the Cowboy Church, which includes a motorcycle ministry. “We love taking the Harley out on outings, watching football games, going to the movies and visiting friends,” says Sandra. “My professional work has made me open to new and rewarding experiences in my personal life as well.”