Lacie Clark cares deeply not just about meeting kids’ needs, but ensuring every child dreams of what’s possible with a deep sense of dignity.
Since she joined the Care to Learn Governing Board in July 2020, Lacie has seen Care to Learn grow by leaps and bounds. She shares her heart for our mission and the joy she feels when seeing it in action across Missouri.
CTL: “What does Care to Learn’s mission of meeting health, hunger, and hygiene needs mean to you?”
Lacie: "I love both the mission and how we live it out — there is truly no red tape. Care to Learn means nothing stands between a child and what they need today. It’s about showing up immediately so a kid isn’t distracted by hunger, illness, or feeling out of place; they can simply walk into class and just be one of the kids. At the heart of everything we do is dignity.
For me, hunger is the area that hits me hardest. A child who’s worrying about their next meal can’t focus on school or dare to dream about their future. When we quietly fill that gap, we’re not just handing over food, we’re handing back dignity and possibility."
CTL: “What has been your favorite moment serving on the board of Care to Learn?”
Lacie: "My favorite part about serving on the Care to Learn board is… all of it. I love the work that we do behind the scenes, setting and implementing the strategy that has driven our growth — just as much as the visible impact. I’m incredibly proud to have watched this organization expand from 32 chapters when I joined in 2020 to 60 chapters today, now meeting more than 500,000 students' needs every single year, thanks to exceptional leadership and an amazing team.
That said, the moments I cherish most are the Mission Moments during board meetings, when a chapter liaison shares how Care to Learn has truly changed a child’s life, and our Shop with a Hero events. Seeing a kid light up while picking out their very first new outfit at Walmart never gets old."
CTL: “What excites you most about Care to Learn’s new, permanent home?”
Lacie: "The warehouse! Faster responses, more storage, and the ability to serve even more kids without missing a beat. After years of making it work in temporary spaces, this permanent home feels like we’re finally planting roots deep enough to grow something truly extraordinary."