Office Giveaway Winner: Clark Children and Family Services
Clark Children and Family Services was the winner of our summer “Free Office Giveaway” for local non-profits. We wanted to put a spotlight on them because of the wonderful work they are doing in our community. We interviewed Monique Clark, the founder of Clark Children and Family Services.
Tell me about Clark Children and Family Services?
Clark Children and Family Services was formally established in 2016. We serve the most underserved and underprivileged populations providing a complete range of services related to but not limited to housing, mental health, homelessness, parenting, and youth interventions. This includes and is not limited to individuals, families, children in foster care, and disabled adults. We work collaboratively with the Department of Human Services, the Department of Education, and various other community providers.
Why did you start Clark Children and Family Services?
Starting Clark Children and Family Services transpired through a natural transition. I have been active in the community in various capacities since I was a teenager and through these experiences I realized there are gaps in services that I could provide necessary and follow up support services. I have been a foster parent for almost 20 years and more intimately recognize community needs and being able to have a larger platform in order to reach a larger population.
What experience has made establishing Clark Children and Family Services worth the hard work? What do you love about it?
It gives me great satisfaction to assist families with services and support to help build family stability and strengths to have positive outcomes in whatever life issues they face. Additionally I am drawn to be part of the solution and action to provide services, support, and address trauma during unexpected events such as the recent Derecho.
How many people do you have on your team?
We currently have approximately 10 staff in different capacities.
Are there similar services in your industry? If so, what makes you different?
Currently there is a limited number of culturally specific service providers in the area. Particularly those that provide the additional and specific needs to African Americans, Multicultural families, and families involved with the Department of Human Services where there is disproportionate positive outcomes for those families involved. What makes us different is not so much what we do but how we do it that has set us apart from other providers.
What do you like most about Office Evolution?
I like the atmosphere of the office space. The additional supports that are available and are provided is a plus. I also appreciate the location that is welcoming and easily accessible to a wide variety of the population that we serve.
Where do you see Clark Children and Family Services in five years?
Where will we be in 5 years. My goal is to grow the non-profit by ongoing funding which will allow us to expand the services we currently provide and build on what is needed as community needs change. I see strategic planning and building capacity providing the platform for us to branch out into areas where the services and opportunities we offer can have greater availability.
About Office Evolution Cedar Rapids
At Office Evolution Cedar Rapids, we provide virtual office, coworking, and private office solutions at our shared office center. We offer meeting rooms, offices, hot desking in a shared workspace coworking lounge, a shared reception, a business address, and virtual receptionist services. We have many options and price points, and all terms are flexible. Plus, you become part of a community of like-minded professionals.
Whether you live in Cedar Rapids, Fairfax, Robins, Marion, Hiawatha, Palo, Iowa City, Waterloo, Mount Vernon, Springville, Center Point, North Liberty and other communities nearby in Linn and Johnson counties, choosing Office Evolution Cedar Rapids will help you be more professional, productive, and profitable.