We uplift those in need
Vision
Empowered communities with resilient families.
Mission
Championing a brighter future for families and communities through supportive programs and services that are rooted in education, connection, and acceptance.
Values
KARA is compassionate.
KARA embodies compassion in all its actions, seeking to uplift and support those in need with unwavering empathy and care.
KARA is accepting.
KARA embraces a culture of acceptance, welcoming all with open hearts and minds, fostering an accepting and supportive environment for everyone.
KARA is resilient.
KARA exemplifies resilience, consistently persevering and adapting in the face of challenges.
KARA is playful.
KARA cultivates playfulness by infusing joy and lightheartedness into its approach, creating an atmosphere of creativity and enjoyment.
KARA is committed.
KARA demonstrates unwavering commitment, grounded in our mission and the well-being of those we serve.
Our Story
In 1981, two Social Workers based at the North Edmonton Regional Office of Child Welfare collaborated to address the pressing needs of parents and their children. Recognizing a lack of organizations offering such crucial services, they conceived a proposal for a pilot project with the goal of delivering parenting programs, childcare, and tailored support to families. Their goal was to prevent the necessity of removing children from their homes and placing them in foster care. The proposed pilot project envisioned the establishment of a Parent Centre, offering non-residential daycare services specifically designed to assist families at risk of neglect.
Seeking support, an application was submitted to the Federal Government for an ERGO Grant. This grant facilitated the execution of a survey titled “Employment Status and Needs of Single Parents as Perceived by Themselves, Family Service Agencies, and Employers”. Subsequently, Alberta Society 307721 was established, and a Board of Directors was convened, comprising representatives from various community social services agencies and public stakeholders. A community committee was also formed to oversee the survey and provide advisory input for the research process.
In the autumn of 1983, committee members convened to deliberate on the challenges faced by low-income families, particularly single parents, in northeast Edmonton. Securing funding for a research project, a decision was reached in June 1984 to inaugurate a Family Service Centre offering childcare and parenting programs.
On November 5th, 1984, KARA (Kids Are the Responsibility of All) Family Support Centre was officially incorporated. Initially situated within Edmonton Housing, KARA relocated to its own premises at the Belvedere Edmonton Housing site in June 1985. This location, known to the community as KARA-Too, continues to serve as the cornerstone of KARA's operations today.
In 1991, KARA's main building was purchased, and to this day, it serves as the central hub for most of the programs offered. While KARA's original focus was on low-income, single mothers, it has since evolved to provide a safe, supportive, non-judgmental space for clients of all socio-economic backgrounds and family structures. At KARA, we prioritize building meaningful relationships with clients, meeting them where they are in their current life and family circumstances. We offer a range of services including parenting education, family support, early childhood developmental screening, and information and referral services. KARA is committed to creating safe and inclusive experiences that support clients in their parenting and family life.
