Special to the Town Crier
It was a small reception to say farewell, but it played big in the hearts of the people who worked with her. After four years as executive director of the Community Health Awareness Council, Ann Clausen retired March 11.
"She was absolutely wonderful with people and so easy to work with. Everybody is heart- sick with her gone," said Mary Burkhardt, development director the nonprofit Mountain View-based organization that provides substance abuse prevention, intervention and education.
In Clausen's farewell speech, she said her goal was to leave the agency in a solvent position.
"We have a good board, a good staff and community awareness - I am proud of that," Clausen said. "But I am especially proud of the $100,000 in reserves."
One of the accomplishments Clausen started was a strategic plan for the organization. The plan, outlining goals for the organization, is now in its second year.
The program involves adolescents and their families in counseling and education programs focusing on alternatives to substance abuse. A full-time staff provides marriage, family and child counseling services to students in grades through K-12 and their families.
Clausen received a proclamation from the city of Mountain View, presented by Mayor Mary Lou Zoglin. "I can't imagine how schools could manage without a CHAC," she said.
Los Altos councilwoman Kris Casto also presented a proclamation to Clausen from the city of Los Altos.
"Through her understanding and compassion, Ann helped the interns serve the needs of the children in our community," Casto said.
Clausen is moving to Jacksonville, Ore., where she will make an attempt to become the prize-winning tomato and dahlia grower in southern Oregon.
Founded in 1973, the Community Health Awareness Council is funded by the cities of Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Mountain View and the local elementary and high school districts.