In 1972, Dickinsfield was a new neighborhood, with a mix of single family dwellings, apartments, subsidized housing and commercial space. Teachers, Social Workers and other professionals active in the community noticed a need for support services for the families in the area. Professionals for Progress was born. These professionals surveyed the residents of this new subdivision to determine needs. As a result, the WE CARE Centre was opened in a rent free unit provided by Edmonton Housing Authority. Volunteers and a part time supervisor operated a co-op babysitting project, after school programs and various adult education programs. In 1974, funding was secured from Preventive Social Services, and programs were able to expand. In 1977, the WE CARE Centre moved to another Edmonton Housing unit at 9213-146 Avenue, extended its boundaries, and changed its name to Dickinsfield Amity House. In the 40 years since then, Amity House has grown into a fully staffed agency providing programs and services in response to community need. We are a community benefit agency. Our programs work to support families and individuals in the community who are facing challenging life situations. We are committed to providing the resources, tools, and necessary supports to foster self-sufficiency within the community. Amity House is a non-profit, incorporated under the Societies Act since 1974. We are also a Registered Charity since 1974. We are governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, whose job it is to set policy and guide the direction of the organization. The Board of Directors hires and oversees the Executive Director, who in turn supervises 14 full and part time staff.
