HR 1491: Elaine Clark Center; commend

This resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives honors the Elaine Clark Center, which was founded in 1969 by Sister Robert Therese to tutor children with developmental disabilities. The resolution describes the center's history, its four program areas (early childhood programming, a K-12 school, respite and holiday camps, and young adult programming), and the range of disabilities it serves, including autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and developmental delay. The resolution also notes the center's role in the DeKalb County community, including its community service events and fundraising activities. It formally resolves that the House recognizes and commends the center and wishes it continued success, and directs the Clerk of the House to send a copy of the resolution to the center. The measure does not change any Georgia law.

• Formally recognizes and commends the Elaine Clark Center on behalf of the Georgia House of Representatives.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to the center.
• Creates no new law, funding, or regulatory requirement; it is a ceremonial statement only.

The resolution directly names the Elaine Clark Center, its founder Sister Robert Therese, and its Executive Director Beth Schmehling Cook. It also touches the families, children, and young adults with disabilities the center serves in DeKalb County and metro Atlanta.

The resolution carries no legal or funding effect, but it gives official state recognition to an organization that has provided education, therapy, and social programming for people with disabilities in DeKalb County for over five decades.

• The whereas clauses recount the center's founding in 1969 and its 55-plus years of continuous service in DeKalb County.
• The resolution identifies the center's four program areas: early childhood programming, a K-12 school, respite and holiday camps, and young adult programming.
• The resolving clause formally commends the center and wishes it continued success.
• A further resolving clause directs the Clerk of the House to distribute a copy of the resolution to the center.

1. 2026-02-25House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2026-02-25House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-02-25House Hopper (House)

• Karen Lupton (D, HD-083)Primary sponsor
• Long Tran (D, HD-080)
• Shea Roberts (D, HD-052)
• Marvin Lim (D, HD-098)
• Scott Holcomb (D, HD-101)

• disability services
• DeKalb County
• commendation resolution
• education