The Heart Behind the Elaine Clark Center

1960s — The Beginning

• Mid-1960s: Sister Robert Therese of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church begins tutoring young children with developmental disabilities who could not attend traditional schools.
• 1969: The Elaine Clark Center is officially incorporated, establishing a safe, supportive space for children long underserved in Metro Atlanta.

1970s — Expanding to Meet Community Needs

• Early 1970s: The center begins serving children up to age 20, filling gaps left by public school systems.
• Late 1970s: With new IDEA laws mandating public K–12 education, the center shifts its focus to early childhood intervention.
• By the mid-1980s: Services transition to supporting children ages birth to three.

1980s–1990s — Inclusion Takes Root

• Service ages expand to age five to better support young children and growing childcare needs.
• 1990s: The center becomes an inclusive child development program, intentionally blending typically developing children with children with special needs.
• 1999: Accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is achieved — and maintained ever since.

2001–2007 — Access, Outreach, and Therapeutic Support

• 2001: The Frank Clark Memorial Scholarship Fund launches, ensuring finances don’t prevent access to care.
• 2003: A community outreach initiative begins, integrating child development, social services, and caregiver education.
• 2007: Speech, occupational, and physical therapy services are added on campus to meet growing developmental needs.

2009–2010 — Growth Through Partnership

• 2009: The center merges with Heart of Hope Academy, expanding support for children and young adults ages 5 through 22.
• The merger positions the organization as one of Atlanta’s most comprehensive nonprofits serving individuals ages 6 weeks to 22 years.
• 2010: A $3.5 million capital campaign launches to double the facility’s size.

2018 — A New Home for a Growing Mission

• A major renovation adds 9,000 square feet of new space, supporting expanded programs and community impact.

2019–2021 — Resilience and Renewal

• 2019: The center celebrates its 50th anniversary, reaffirming its commitment to inclusive programming.
• 2020–2021: The organization navigates the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while continuing in-person support for children who depend on consistent, community-based connection.
• The STABLE Program ends, but services remain uninterrupted thanks to strong family partnerships and dedicated staff.

2022–Present — Looking Ahead

• A new strategic plan is developed with clear priorities: increase enrollment, strengthen student outcomes, and expand the center’s impact beyond campus.
• With renewed energy and long-term vision, the center continues its mission to provide inclusive, relationship-centered care for children and young adults across Metro Atlanta.