Adoption community honors Joan Clark
By Mary Shane Contributing Writer

caption Joan Clark, retired executive director of ACONE, stands in front of quilt that was a gift to her on one of her ACONE-related trips to Central America. MARY SHANE

Westborough - When Joan Clark attended an adoption conference in 1980, it was the beginning of a not only adoptive motherhood, but also of a career.

After the Open Door Society (ODS) conference, she and her husband began the adoption process for two children: one from El Salvador and one from Colombia. That led to involvement with ODS, what is now the Adoption Community of New England (ACONE).

"After attending the conference in 1980, I became active in a chapter and volunteered while we were waiting to adopt," Clark said. "I was a volunteer chapter coordinator and then a member of the Board of Directors until the executive director position was created by the BOD in 1992. I then became the first executive director of what was then ODS."

ACONE is a nonprofit organization incorporated in 1967 that provides information, education, advocacy and support for all who are touched by adoption and foster care.

As ACONE celebrated 40 years, the organization honored Clark, who retired in August, for her 15 years of service as its first executive director with a gala at the Holiday Inn in Marlborough Nov. 10.

"Because I knew there are kids who need families, I wanted the work [of adoption] to be the most ethical and honest it could be," Clark said. "Education helps parents to make the right decision; we encourage parents to be honest about what they can handle and be realistic."

ACONE provides tools to help prospective parents decide which agency to go with and what to expect. Free monthly classes are held in for those interested in adoption, with a quarterly meeting that offers in-depth information on domestic and international adoption.

"As an organization, it supports anybody touched by adoption. With so many things in life, if people are educated, they understand it better," Clark said. "Support doesn't mean something negative. It's the education piece that's so critical in helping people."

Since ACONE moved to Westborough earlier this year, a lot more people from the surrounding towns have dropped in, Clark said.

"People who live close by can borrow things, as well as people from all over the United States," Clark said. "They don't just have to read, they can borrow DVDs and videos. If people live close by, they can stop by."

Retirement doesn't mean Clark will disappear from ACONE.

"At the end of August I graduated from the 50 hours a week to choosing things I want to do. I'm not doing anything that requires a schedule," she said. "I will help out in school. I will still be doing [the program] 'Look Adoption' through March."

The organization has opportunities for volunteers.

"We're always looking for people with PR or financial expertise to volunteer," Clark said.

" Volunteers can also help with mailings, phone calls and program set up, she said.

For more information on volunteering, ACONE or adoption, call 508-366-6812, send e-mail to info@adoptioncommunityofne. org or visit the Web site at www.adoptioncommunityofne. org.