History of Ellna’s
Paula Ogden: A Legacy of Service, Community, and Dedication
Paula Ogden’s professional journey began at the early age of 13, where she acquired invaluable experience through diverse roles, setting the foundation for her strong work ethic. Upon graduating from high school, she joined Wal-Mart, where she dedicated 13 years working across various departments, honing her organizational and interpersonal skills.
Paula later chose to embrace her role as a full-time homemaker following the birth of her third child. Together with her husband, Dave, she raised their five children on the family farm, cultivating values of hard work, resilience, and community engagement. During this time, Paula immersed herself in an array of pursuits, including gardening, landscaping, running, cycling, hiking, sewing, and reading. She also became deeply involved in the Boy Scouts of America, where her support was instrumental in helping three of her sons achieve the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout.
After 16 fulfilling years at home, Paula reentered the workforce, joining Calo, a residential treatment program in Lake Ozark, Missouri, that serves youth aged 9–18. During her 12-year tenure, she discovered a profound passion for promoting family healing and youth development. As Transportation Manager, Paula oversaw logistics for student transportation, medical appointments, vehicle maintenance, licensing, and home visit coordination, ensuring seamless operations and a supportive environment.
Paula has also been a dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she has held numerous leadership positions within youth and women’s organizations, leaving a lasting positive impact on her community.
In 2018, following the passing of her father, Paula became the primary caregiver for her mother, Ellna, who was battling severe dementia. This deeply transformative experience inspired Paula to extend her care beyond her family, leading her to establish “Ma and Pa,” an adult day care center based in her home. After her mother’s passing, Paula expanded the scope of her services, offering 24-hour care either at her residence or in her clients’ homes. To honor her mother’s memory, she renamed the business “Ellna’s Adult Home Care.”
“Currently, Ellna’s Adult Home Care operates as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization from a dedicated residential care facility. Supported by a team of up to 12 subcontracted employees, the organization remains devoted to addressing the diverse needs of its clients. Ellna’s Adult Home Care continues to ease the burdens faced by families while providing elderly individuals with compassionate care in a secure and nurturing environment that upholds their dignity, comfort, and quality of life.”
Paula’s wide-ranging experiences reflect her steadfast commitment to family, community, and service—principles that continue to shape her professional endeavors and personal values.