Clara Kirk, a philanthropist, and founder of Clara’s House, who provided a safe place for battered women and children for more than 30 years, passed away Monday morning.
Born in Mississippi, Kirk and her family moved to the Northwest side of Chicago. In 1974, Kirk moved to Englewood and opened Clara’s House in 1987, servicing 300 women and their families annually. She was also a minister and worked for Chicago Public Schools for over 30 years. Kirk unselfishly gave her life to the community that needed help, especially women who were victims of domestic violence.
Kirk founded several organizations, including Clara’s Academic Center, Clara’s Place, and West Englewood United Organization. She received one of the nation’s highest award by the Jefferson Award Foundation. She also garnered the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Award for Outstanding Public Service Benefitting Local Communities and the President’s Service Award from former President Bill Clinton.
Kirk leaves behind three sons, two daughters, and several grandchildren.
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