Our Mission & Team
Keeping Neighbors Safe, Independent, and Thriving at Home
For more than 30 years, Chore Service has helped older adults and people with disabilities across Litchfield County live comfortably, safely, and with dignity in the homes and communities they love. We provide trusted, non-medical support that makes daily life easier—and independence possible.
Mission Pillars
Independence
We empower individuals to maintain control of their lives and living situations through personalized support.
We treat every client with respect and care, honoring their choices and preferences
Dignity
We strengthen local connections by employing local caregivers and serving neighbors in need.
Community
We provide services regardless of ability to pay, ensuring support reaches everyone who needs it.
Accessibility
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I am a hometown kid—born and raised in Salisbury.
Before Chore, I didn’t take very good care of the house. My wife, Jane, and I both knew we weren’t housekeepers, so cleaning happened only when someone was coming over—Christmas, Easter, that kind of thing—and then we’d let it slide again. A few years ago, I had a housekeeper for a while, and she was very good, but it came with complications.
Eventually, someone suggested Chore Service and mentioned how affordable and flexible it was. What appealed to me was that you could make it as inexpensive—or as involved—as you wanted. I went into Chore, spoke with the friendliest and most helpful person, and explained exactly what I was looking for. Now Elizabeth comes two to three hours a week. I feel completely confident knowing that anyone who comes through Chore has been vetted. I trust Chore Service, and because of that, I trust her. And honestly, I can feel the difference in the house.
93%
of Chore clients feel more independent at home
91%
feel safer and more comfortable
92%
experience less daily stress
91%
stay at home longer
90%
report improved well-being
Our Story
Founded in 1992 by Sharon social service agent Ella Clark, Chore Service began with a simple idea: help people stay in their homes without placing financial burdens on their future. What started with a $2,000 grant and 22 families has grown into a trusted community resource serving 13 towns across Litchfield County.
Today, Chore employs more than 50 local caregivers who provide thousands of hours of practical, human support each year — helping neighbors with companionship, household tasks, transportation, and everyday challenges that make independent living possible.
Our Services
How Can Chore Service Help?
Companionship
Housecleaning
Laundry
Light meal preparation
In-home, non-medical services include the following:
Minor repairs
Technology assistance
Transportation
Yardwork
Staff
Jane MacLaren
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In her leadership role at Chore Service, Jane is dedicated to helping older adults age safely at home through compassionate, community-based service. With experience in nonprofit support, community engagement, IBM philanthropic initiatives, crisis counseling, and K–8 in-house teaching, she brings a deep understanding of human needs to her work. Jane believes that aging in place should be accessible to all older adults, regardless of their resources. Her efforts have expanded access to vital in-home supports for older residents across 13 towns in Connecticut. Deeply rooted in the Northwest Corner, she has a longstanding commitment to strengthening community ties and creating sustainable, accessible support systems that enable older adults to continue thriving in their homes and communities.
Kristen Orr
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Kristen moved to Connecticut in 1987 and found the hamlet of Milton in Litchfield to raise her four children and call home for the past 26 years. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education from Concordia College.
Kristen inherited her father’s love and compassion for people and has realized her desire to work with the older population over the years. She is a committed community member with dedicated experience across various care-related and mission-driven efforts. Community volunteering includes the Food Rescue and the Litchfield Social Service Commission, serving on the Litchfield Community Service Fund Board of Directors as the Milton Public Hall Association president.
Over the past few years, Kristen has focused her time and talents on helping the elderly members of her community by becoming a care assistant with All About You Home Care, then joining the team at Brandywine Assisted Living in Litchfield, and on to becoming a registered in-home caregiver through Washington Home Care. In June 2022, she became the part-time Program Coordinator of the Litchfield Hills Chore Service before joining Chore Service full-time in 2024. Kristen continues volunteering in her community whenever needed.
Karen Rios
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In her role as Administrative Assistant at Chore Service, Karen Rios ensures smooth daily operations and provides essential support and resources to staff, caregivers, and the community. Initially interviewing for a caregiver role in 2024, Karen was quickly recognized for her administrative strengths and prior experience, leading to a transition into a full-time administrative position later that year. She is deeply committed to the organization’s mission and shares it enthusiastically with everyone she meets. A dedicated community member, Karen lives in Sharon, Connecticut, where she serves as President of the Sharon Center School PTO and actively participates in local education and volunteer efforts. Her reliability and warmth make her an invaluable team member.
Devin Boyden
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Devin Boyden is a professional in accounting and business administration who is passionate about supporting nonprofit organizations and getting involved in the community. She works closely with libraries, arts organizations, and community-based programs and has experience with bookkeeping, payroll, and operational management. In July 2025, Devin began working for Chore Service, leveraging her accounting expertise and teamwork to support the organization's goal of in-home independence. She holds a bachelor's degree in accounting and will complete her master's degree in business administration in the spring of 2026. Her dedication to sustainability, service, and community impact motivates her work.
Board of Directors
Dolores Periotti
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Dolores was born in Canaan and graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Design and Horticulture. She has operated a successful landscaping and garden business in Canaan for over 25 years. Dolores has served on the North Canaan Board of Education for 14 years, including 6 years as Chair. She has been a soccer coach and served on various school committees including the PTO. She volunteers as a gardener at the North Canaan library, elementary school, and St. Joseph's Catholic Church rectory. Dolores and her husband Champ built their home on land purchased by Champ's great grandparents in the 1920s. Their three children are fifth generation Canaanites.
David Becker
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David is a seasoned marketing innovator and C-suite executive with 20+ years of experience driving strategic growth for organizations large and small. As Time Magazine's Brand Development Director, he helped pioneer digital media. As President and COO of Uproar.com, he achieved a top 20 audience rank and $1.1 billion valuation. He transformed Beliefnet.com post-bankruptcy, securing $7 million in funding and tripling site traffic, leading to a $35 million acquisition by News Corp. In 2019, he co-founded Scotch Valley Ranch Hemp, venturing into CBD and hemp.
Patricia Chamberlain
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Patricia is the former Superintendent for Region One and Supervising Principal for the Sharon Center School, and a long-time Sharon resident. She holds a Bachelor of Science from George Mason University and a Master of Education from Colorado State University. Patricia is a member of the Sharon EMT and represents the Town of Sharon on the Transfer Station project.
Janell Mullen
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Born and raised in Connecticut, Janell graduated as salutatorian from Housatonic Valley Regional High School before attending UConn as an honors student on merit scholarship. She studied International Relations with a minor in French, then moved to California where she worked as an economic analyst before earning her Master of Urban Planning from USC. She served as Deputy Planner for the City of Los Angeles and project manager for the Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative, overseeing grants for parks and transportation in underserved communities. Returning to Connecticut in 2015, she now operates her own LLC advising towns on zoning, construction oversight, and planning processes.
Michael Voldstad
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Mike is a lawyer with more than forty years of experience, having lived and worked in New York, San Francisco, and London. He has practiced primarily in public finance and is a graduate of Holy Cross and the University of Virginia Law School. Mike and his wife Kathy have had a home in Salisbury for more than twenty years, and he serves as a trustee at the Salisbury Congregational Church.
Lea Davies
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Lea retired in April 2004 from Verizon Communications after a 27-year telecommunications career, with his last position as Executive Vice President of Human Resources. He previously served on the boards of the Sharon Historical Society, The Foundation for Community Health, and The Sharon Housing Authority. A 1976 Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Randolph-Macon College, Lea has had a home in the Northwest Corner for over 35 years and served as Chore's Board President from 2004 through 2019.
Paul Collins
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Paul grew up in Westchester County, NY, and graduated from St. Michael’s College. He had a distinguished career in the fine paper industry, retiring in 2020 as Vice President of Integrated Supply Chain at Gould Paper Corp. After moving to Goshen, Paul became active in community initiatives, serving as Recycling Coordinator and overseeing several successful programs, including enhanced composting efforts and a plastic film recycling campaign that exceeded its collection goals. In 2023, he was elected to the Town Board of Finance. Paul also volunteers with Food Rescue USA and brings operational experience and a strong commitment to community service to the Chore Service Board.
Sandy Panetta
Rob Schmidt
Warren Whitaker
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Warren Whitaker is a retired lawyer. For nearly 50 years, he practiced trusts and estates law in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, and was a partner at the law firm Day Pitney. He has served on the boards or councils of Music Mountain, The Falls Village Community Development Corporation, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre USA, the London-based Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, The Pelham Picture House, and the Pelham Arts Center. He resides in Falls Village, Connecticut.
Steven Cornell
Join Our Team
We're looking for compassionate, reliable individuals to join our team of caregivers. Are you interested in making a meaningful difference in your community while earning competitive wages? We'd love to hear from you.