House Resolution 1491
By: Representatives Lupton of the 83rd, Tran of the 80th, Roberts of the 52nd, Lim of the 98th,
and Holcomb of the 101st
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing and commending the Elaine Clark Center; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, for more than five decades, the Elaine Clark Center has provided a safe,
inclusive learning and social environment for children and young adults with disabilities and
has strengthened families and the broader DeKalb County community; and
WHEREAS, The Elaine Clark Center was founded, and officially incorporated in 1969, by
Sister Robert Therese, who tutored children with developmental disabilities at a time when
few services existed; and
WHEREAS, for more than 55 years, the center has continuously served families in DeKalb
County and the surrounding metro Atlanta region; and
WHEREAS, this year, current Executive Director, Beth Schmehling Cook, celebrates 20
years of dedicated service to the center; and
WHEREAS, serving individuals with a wide range of developmental and physical
disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and
developmental delay, the Elaine Clark Center provides inclusive early childhood education,
therapy support, and social programming; and
WHEREAS, the center provides four distinct program areas: early childhood programming,
a fully accredited K-12 school, respite and holiday camps, and young adult programming;
and
WHEREAS, the Elaine Clark Center is one of only a small number of structured social and
day-program opportunities in DeKalb County for young adults with disabilities after they age
out of public school services; and
WHEREAS, by providing specialized care and programming, the center enables parents and
caregivers to remain in the workforce; and
WHEREAS, the center hosts community service events, volunteer programs, and fundraising
initiatives that involve local residents, civic groups, and businesses, including a Day of
Service and the Annual Hustle for Hope 5k/1K fun run; and
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this extraordinary organization be
appropriately recognized.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
the members of this body recognize and commend the Elaine Clark Center and extend their
sincere best wishes for its continued success.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the
Elaine Clark Center.