Hope Gala Chair Caitlin Clark on Supporting Women and Building Community

This Women’s History Month, we sat down with Caitlin, a long-time volunteer and chair of the 2026 Hope Gala Host Committee, to learn why Calvary Women’s Services holds such a special place in her life.

Caitlin’s connection to Washington, DC, began early. While growing up in North Carolina, she frequently visited DC, shaping her love for the community she now supports. Today, she is a mother of twins, a small-business owner, and someone who generously shares her talents in event planning and hospitality with Calvary.

Her journey into fundraising began while volunteering at her children’s school. As her kids grew older, Caitlin started looking for ways to support mission-driven organizations in her community. That search eventually led her to Calvary.

Caitlin’s commitment to supporting women in challenging circumstances is deeply personal. Her mother was a victim of domestic violence and passed away when Caitlin was just 19 years old.

“It’s always been something that’s weighed heavily on my heart – that there are women who are struggling, and how can I make an impact?”

Calvary’s mission to empower women to rebuild their lives after homelessness immediately resonated with her. Caitlin first became involved through Calvary’s meal service program. As someone who loves cooking, she saw the opportunity to make a difference in a simple but meaningful way. Volunteering in the meal program quickly became one of Caitlin’s favorite ways to connect with the community.

“It’s been this really nice way to cook something from home, bring it to the facility, meet the women, and say, ‘Here’s something from me to you.’ I’ve never gone in and not had a heartfelt thank you.”

Caitlin often encourages others who want to make a difference to simply reach out.

“One thing I love about Calvary is how approachable it is. There are so many ways of giving that you can get involved with.”

Over time, her volunteer work grew into something even deeper. When reflecting on the moment volunteering became a true passion, Caitlin points to two defining experiences. The first was attending the 2024 Hope Gala.

“Being at the Hope Gala, I saw how they presented their message so clearly and impactfully. The work being done behind the scenes created such a thoughtful nonprofit. There are tangible results in helping women from start to finish. They made it really easy to want to stay involved.”

The second was witnessing the strength of Calvary’s community, particularly during challenging times.

“Nobody is giving up. It’s at the most difficult times that the needs are the strongest.”

Women’s History Month celebrates the resilience, leadership, and achievements of women. For Caitlin, it’s also a time to reflect on the power of storytelling. “How we frame history matters, both the struggles that women have endured and the strides that have been made forward.” This month also encourages a moment of reflection amid everyday life.

“It reminds me to pause and think, ‘what’s my legacy?’ I think about it with my two children. My caring for the community is also caring for them. Women’s History Month, and really any time of the year, is a chance to shine a light on women making both small and big impacts.

Through her work with Calvary, Caitlin has seen firsthand the resilience and strength of the women the organization serves.

“Over the years, listening to women’s stories, the big thing is follow-through. There are little things you can do that might impact someone’s life for a brief moment. But when you have a program like Calvary, it becomes a full-on change. There will be setbacks, but at Calvary, someone is always there to support you, and there are so many resources.”

The Hope Gala is Calvary’s signature annual event, bringing together supporters and community members for an evening of connection, storytelling, and fundraising in support of women rebuilding their lives after homelessness. As chair of the Host Committee, Caitlin especially enjoys shaping the Hope Gala experience through the auction and taking a more active role in the event’s planning. 

“I love seeing the ballroom empty and imagining how it’s all going to come together. This year, our goal is really connecting new people with Calvary’s message.”

At a time when communities are facing shrinking safety nets and rising costs, Caitlin hopes Calvary’s annual Gala will remind people of the power of collective action.

“Making a small change in your life can create a big change in someone else’s. The changes that feel small to one person might be huge to another. And when times are hard, they’re even harder for someone else.”

Women play a central role in Calvary’s community, from host committee members and board members to donors and volunteers. Caitlin emphasizes the sense of female accomplishment that comes from working together and enlisting the community. She sees this collective effort as one of Calvary’s greatest strengths.

“One woman can do so much, but it’s much more exponential when more and more women come together and encourage one another.”

Caitlin’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together in support of women. Whether through attending the Hope Gala, volunteering your time, or making a donation, there are many ways to be part of this work and help women in our community rebuild their lives.

Learn more about the Hope Gala: https://www.calvaryservices.org/events/hope-gala/

Donate to Support the Women in Our Programs: https://linkly.link/2bsOi

Volunteer at Calvary Women’s Services: https://www.calvaryservices.org/volunteer/