Rep. Kelly Presents 3rd District Community Champion Award to Yvonne Clark of New Castle

Rep. Kelly with Yvonne Clark, Director of Walker’s Neighborhood House in Lawrence County

WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (PA-03) presented the 3rd District Community Champion Award for the second quarter of 2015 to Yvonne Clark, Director of Walker’s Neighborhood House in Lawrence County, yesterday morning at St. John United Holy Church in New Castle, PA.

Excerpts of Rep. Kelly’s official commendation for Mrs. Clark:

“Yvonne, the Director of Walker’s Neighborhood House in Lawrence County, has served both her family and community with excellence, leaving a legacy of compassion and integrity behind her that has impacted many.

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“In 1979, Yvonne enrolled in the Pittsburgh Beauty Academy in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania and graduated with honors shortly thereafter. Under the mentorship of a respected and accomplished local salon-owner, Yvonne learned the skills of the trade and eventually opened her own salon in 1984. When health issues demanded a change of course, Yvonne worked as a family service worker and then a job coach before returning to school at Midwestern Baptist School of Ministry. Again, she graduated with honors and received her Associate’s Degree in Women’s Ministry in 2006. Additionally, valuing her role as mother and grandmother, Yvonne became the primary caregiver for her three grandchildren when her daughter was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

“It was around this time that Walker’s Neighborhood House, a division of the Gussie M. Walker Community Outreach Organization, was established. The mission of this after-school program is to empower youth and families to be the best they can be by obtaining a better education, while also learning that through God all things are possible. By providing both tutoring and structured recreational opportunities for local youth in an area where 85% of the population is considered low-income, Walker’s Neighborhood House is breathing life back into a community and empowering our next generation of leaders. Under Yvonne’s devoted and impassioned leadership, over 2,500 students have walked through its doors and left changed for the better.

“Whether serving her family or her community, Yvonne has shown herself to be a leader in the truest sense of the word and a role model for the many that are privileged to know her. Furthermore, her dedication to directing the St. John United Holy Church Choir for thirty-five years and being a member of the praise team for fifteen gives evidence to the core Christian values that have informed her experiences and given strength when strength was needed along her journey. On behalf of many, I would like to express sincere gratitude and appreciation to Mrs. Yvonne Clark, a true Community Champion.”

Photos from yesterday’s award ceremony can be viewed here.

BACKGROUND: The 3rd District Community Champion Award is a quarterly citation created by the Office of U.S. Representative Mike Kelly in January 2015 to recognize and thank service-minded individuals throughout Pennsylvania's Third Congressional District for selfless and significant contributions to their surrounding communities. Each winner is given an official award plaque from Rep. Kelly’s office, a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol building, and a statement of congratulations entered into the official congressional record.

Last quarter’s award was presented to Sally Kohler of Erie County. Read more about it here and here.

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