The popular former mayor said the decision to retire was not an easy one.
"I've been working full-time pretty much since 1987,” Ms Claridge said.
"My role at Tomorrow Today, which I took up in 2011, has been immensely rewarding but very full-on.
"So I'm really looking forward to some leisure time - seeing more of my family, improving my golf game and reading lots of books."
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The Tomorrow Today Foundation focuses on community philanthropy – local people improving Benalla and surrounds through thoughtful, structured and focused giving of time, money and skills.
It has been successful in its time working with individuals and organisations across business, government and community to create and sustain vibrant projects and activities.
Ms Claridge said some of highlights of her time with Tomorrow Today included successful initiatives, such as Connect9, which encourages young people to participate in activities that connect them to new hobbies, people, experiences and different sports, as well as set life and career goals; and the Parents Early Education Partnership program (PEEP), which sees up to 90 local families with young children participate each week in fun activities, which teach skills that will resonate throughout the children’s lives.
“The greatest highlight has been the growing impact of Tomorrow Today's Education Benalla Program (EBP), which aims to improve life chances and choices for Benalla's children,” Ms Claridge said.
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“We are seeing positive and lasting change in many areas including school readiness, wellbeing of children and young people, and engagement with education and learning.
"I'm particularly proud to have been involved with the introduction of the PEEP program, the Connect9 mentoring Program and the establishment of the sports initiative.
"PEEP supports parents with skills and strategies to give their young children the very best start in life.
"We began with around 20 families in 2012 and now have over 280 families and more than 300 children attending each year.
"Local schools acknowledge that PEEP has been one of the most important factors in increasing the number of Benalla children starting school ready to learn.
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"Connect9 has helped more than 200 young people remain engaged with school and learning by connecting them with wonderful local mentors who help them explore life and career opportunities.
"And the sports initiative has funded hundreds of local children and young people from families experiencing financial hardship to connect to and be involved in our community through sport and hobbies."
Ms Claridge said when she took up the role she was excited to be involved with Tomorrow Today, but had no idea she would be there nine years.
"I've been extremely fortunate to work with many inspirational people,” Ms Claridge said.
“Tomorrow Today's innovative, committed and highly skilled board led by the remarkable Sally Gamble; my dedicated, hardworking and funny (in a good way) staff, our wonderful philanthropic funders and generous local donors; the many partners from all sectors of the community who work with us to achieve better educational outcomes for our children; and the scores of volunteers who give unstintingly of their time and talent to support us in all that we do.
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“Thank you one and all. It's been a privilege to work with you.
“I'd also like to thank the families of Benalla who entrust themselves and their children to our programs.
“Many face enormous financial and social challenges, but show amazing courage, resilience and determination in striving to achieve a better future for their children.”
Tomorrow Today is throwing a a farewell celebration for Ms Claridge later in the week, and the search for her replacement is under way.
● To find out more about what Tomorrow Today do in the community, visit tomorrowtoday.com.au
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