Sometimes, Only a 'Daughter' Will Do

"Every time you all come, I just have a ball," she said. "It's just been so much fun doing what you need to do and having fun."

Lark, 41, who works full time as a grants writer, said the idea to start the program came to her more than two years ago after a trip to a Temple Hills grocery store. When Lark walked into the store, she noticed an elderly woman sitting alone outside. No one was helping her. No one was talking to her. It was as if the woman were invisible.

"I observed how many people walked by her," Lark said. When Lark finished shopping, the woman was still there.

"Are you waiting for someone?" Lark said she asked her. "If you don't mind, I'd really like to see you get home safely."

Something clicked, Lark said, and that's when she decided: "I have got to do something for my seniors."

Six months later, Lark secured nonprofit status for Daughter for the Day and began the organization in the basement of her home. Lark moved the office to Temple Hills in July 2005.

Sitting in her office, Lark fought back tears as she remembered the woman who inspired the program -- a woman she helped home and then never saw again.

In some ways, Lark said, Daughter for the Day is a tribute to her grandmother, Elizabeth L. Lark, who died about 11 years ago. The red rose, the group's symbol, was her grandmother's favorite flower.

The service to the seniors is free, so Lark has had to generate financing in other ways. Much of the money still comes out of her pocket, as it did in the beginning. But small fundraisers have helped out. She also hopes to get a grant or find sponsors to cover the rising costs of background checks and contractors who fill in at the last minute when a volunteer can't make it to an appointment.

The program, Lark said, is her true passion. She said she wants to open 10 more offices in the next five years. She has filed the paperwork to open in Hendersonville, Tenn., where she has family, and is planning for an office in Pennsylvania.

"I believe everybody needs somebody," Lark said.

To contact the program, call 301-316-1206 or visit its Web site athttp://www.daughterfortheday.org.