HR1491: HR1491 Elaine Clark Center; commend

26 LC 129 1231 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.1 WHEREAS, for more than five decades, the Elaine Clark Center ha s provided a safe,2 inclusive learning and social environment for children and young adults with disabilities and3 has strengthened families and the broader DeKalb County community; and4 WHEREAS, The Elaine Clark Center was founded, and officially incorporated in 1969, by5 Sister Robert Therese, who tutored children with developmental disabilities at a time when6 few services existed; and7 WHEREAS, for more than 55 years, the center has continuously served families in DeKalb8 County and the surrounding metro Atlanta region; and9 WHEREAS, this year, current Executive Director, Beth Schmehling Cook, celebrates 2010 years of dedicated service to the center; and11 WHEREAS, serving individuals with a wide range of developmental and physical12 disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome , cerebral palsy, and13 H. R. 1491 - 1 - 26 LC 129 1231 developmental delay, the Elaine Clark Center provides inclusive early childhood education,14 therapy support, and social programming; and15 WHEREAS, the center provides four distinct program areas: early childhood programming,16 a fully accredited K-12 school, respite and holiday camps, and young adult programming;17 and18 WHEREAS, the Elaine Clark Center is one of only a small number of structured social and19 day-program opportunities in DeKalb County for young adults with disabilities after they age20 out of public school services; and 21 WHEREAS, by providing specialized care and programming, the center enables parents and22 caregivers to remain in the workforce; and23 WHEREAS, the center hosts community service events, volunteer programs, and fundraising24 initiatives that involve local residents, civic groups, and bus inesses, including a Day of25 Service and the Annual Hustle for Hope 5k/1K fun run; and26 WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this extraord inary organization be27 appropriately recognized.28 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that29 the members of this body recognize and commend the Elaine Clark Center and extend their30 sincere best wishes for its continued success.31 H. R. 1491 - 2 - 26 LC 129 1231 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized32 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the33 Elaine Clark Center.34 H. R. 1491 - 3 -