Kudos to Ella Clark

Helping seniors and disabled citizens who need a hand to keep going in their own homes is an achievement and the right thing to do. Many may think about the best ways to accomplish such a task, but few can come up with workable long-term solutions to this problem.Ella Clark not only found the right answer for the Northwest Corner’s elder and challenged population, she’s made her idea work and helped it expand for 20 years. Clark, who is Sharon’s social worker, is also the founder of The Chore Service and has been its executive director since its inception. What began as her vision 20 years ago has grown to be a structure of service to thousands of residents over that time. As she looks forward to retiring from The Chore Service in September, she has much to be proud of and will need to accept graciously the thanks of so many who have benefitted from her hard work and dedication.Clark has the necessary combination of true commitment and an ability to make things work that have enabled her to make the service a success. Lea Davies, president of The Chore Service board, said he first saw Clark speak at a fundraiser 10 years ago. “I was knocked out by this remarkable woman who was so passionate and energized about helping our senior and disabled residents.” He said Clark calls Chore Service her fourth child and has worked tirelessly to obtain funds from the state, foundations and donors to run and expand the program. As she retires, Clark will know that she leaves behind a legacy in The Chore Service that will be able to move forward and continue its good work on into the future. Many have benefitted from its mission, both those having chores done at their homes and those who do the work, who have part-time employment while helping those who need and appreciate what they do. “Ella has devoted her life to helping others,” Davies said. “She is an inspiring leader. Without her, there would not be a Chore Service.”Now, because of Clark’s 20 years maintaining and expanding her initial vision, The Chore Service is a strong organization that helps 250 clients in a year and provides an extremely efficient service to the Northwest Corner community, with 92 percent of its income going directly to supporting the program. Thanks and congratulations on a job well done, Ella, and to all those who work to help others through The Chore Service.

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