HR1491: HR1491 Elaine Clark Center; commend

This resolution is a ceremonial statement from the Georgia House of Representatives recognizing the Elaine Clark Center, a DeKalb County organization founded in 1969 by Sister Robert Therese that has served children and young adults with developmental and physical disabilities for more than five decades. The resolution describes the center's four program areas (early childhood education, a K-12 school, respite and holiday camps, and young adult programming) and notes it is one of the few structured options in DeKalb County for young adults with disabilities after they leave the public school system. It also credits the center with letting parents and caregivers stay in the workforce. The House resolves to commend the center and directs the Clerk of the House to send it a copy of the resolution.

• Formally recognizes and commends the Elaine Clark Center for more than 55 years of service in DeKalb County.
• States the House's support and best wishes for the center's continued success, with no funding or legal changes attached.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and send a copy of the resolution to the center.

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

The resolution carries no funding or regulatory effect; it is a symbolic honor. Its practical significance is public recognition for an organization serving people with disabilities and a formal record of the center's history and role in DeKalb County.

• The whereas clauses recount the center's 1969 founding, its 55-plus years of operation, and its four program areas serving people with disabilities.
• The first resolving clause has the House recognize and commend the Elaine Clark Center and wish it continued success.
• The second resolving clause directs the Clerk of the House to make a copy available for distribution 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
• early childhood education