As more families came to Sister Robert Therese for help, her work grew. Eventually, she was asked to choose between continuing to support children with disabilities and remaining in the religious order.

She chose the children and their families.

Sister Robert Therese left the religious order and devoted herself to creating a center where children with disabilities could learn, grow, and receive the support they deserved. The Elaine Clark Center was incorporated in 1969.

In the early 1970s, the Center served children through age 20, filling a need public schools were not yet meeting. As public education evolved and more children gained access to school, the Center adapted, too.

The work grew and changed. The care at its heart remained.

Tomorrow, we’ll share what that legacy looks like at The Elaine Clark Center today.