ABOUT

The Dale Ministries is a community that seeks to be welcoming to all, while empowering at our core people who often are not: those experiencing poverty of spirit or space.

Our drop-in programs and outreach are run by community members, of all backgrounds and ability, for our community.

We believe in coming as we are, creating a space where we are safe to ask hard questions, praying together, encouraging each other, sharing meals and celebrating.

The Dale is built on the belief that Jesus was and is real. We believe in and seek to be transformed by God’s hope, grace and peace.

The Dale has no building. All of our programming happens in partnership with local organizations and outside on the street. We have few belongings and endeavour to share what we have.

The Neighbourhood

Parkdale

At first it was an affluent “suburb” of Toronto, close to the lake with sprawling homes. Then Parkdale became a neighbourhood in decline as the building of an expressway cut off people’s access to the waterfront and the de-institutionalization of mental health care led to people being let out of a nearby facility.

People with means began to move elsewhere while those struggling to get by moved into the once single family dwellings turned rooming houses. Today Parkdale faces more change as new businesses move in and derelict buildings are transformed. And the fear of many is that they will be displaced, unable to afford living in their neighbourhood.

Our Staff

Executive Director & Pastor
Erinn has been working in Parkdale since 2007. In 2012 she was invited to become the full-time Executive Director and Pastor. Tasked with re-visioning the ministry, Erinn sought the feedback of the community and proposed a full reboot, one that would include giving up a building, creating a nomadic routine, and becoming The Dale Ministries. Erinn longs for and pursues the building of community where all people are welcome and those who experience poverty are valued. She studied at Tyndale University College & Seminary and Humber College and is an ordained Reverend. Erinn has extensive experience working with people who are street involved, underhoused and trying to cope with substance addiction and mental health issues. She is married to Dion and they have a daughter, Cate.
Community Worker
Joanna joined The Dale team in 2012. She studied Biology and Health at Queen’s University, where her interest was piqued in the social determinants of health. She then interned at Bethel Church (Kingston, ON), focussing on social justice and compassion. In 2010 she moved to Toronto to complete a Masters of Theological Studies in Development at Wycliffe College, where she interned at Sanctuary Ministries. This winding educational and faith journey led her to The Dale, for which she couldn't be more grateful. Joanna loves being a part of building community in Parkdale, learning and growing alongside members of the Dale family. She also loves to bike, bake, read, and garden.
Community Worker
Meagan joined Erinn and Joanna at The Dale in the Spring of 2017. She moved to Toronto in her early twenties to study social work at Ryerson University. While finishing her Bachelor of Social Work, Meagan did one year student placements at both Sanctuary and The Yonge Street Mission. She learned about the importance of community and relationships, and built friendships working with folks with lived experiences of homelessness, mental health, and addictions. Meagan works part time at The Dale and often does contract coverage at Sanctuary. She is a wife to Ian and mom to Charlotte, and is currently learning about the intersections of motherhood, community, and self identity.
Community Worker
Olivia joined The Dale in 2019, a year after spending the summer interning with them. She grew up in Toronto and learned about the importance of ministry in the city through her church and by getting involved in Project Serve, Youth Unlimited. She is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute with a Bachelors in Urban Ministry and Bible. She loves being a part of the Parkdale community.

Board of Directors

Matthew Rivard, Chair  •  Nicholas Francis, Secretary  •  Jordan Lim, Treasurer

Genevieve Barber  •  Xenia Chan  •  Benjamin Klinck

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