Chiara Home, Inc. was founded in 1993 by Sister Gretchen Clark and sister Sharon Dillon. These two women are members of the religious community, the Sister of Saint Joseph, Third Order of Saint Francis. Chiara Home began as occasional child care for children with special needs in the sisters' home. As word spread, they became aware of the community's critical need for respite care. Chiara Home was founded in the 800th anniversary of the death of a Franciscan Saint, Clare of Assisi. Saint Clare is known for her care of the outcast. The name Clare in Italian is "Chiara" (key ARE uh). Thus, the name Chiara Home.