Living With Dignity

History

The organization was originally formed in 1996 and operated separately under the private practice of its founder and Executive Director, Amie J. Harris, M.S.W., L.C.S.W., C.T. From her years as a licensed therapist working with the oncology and HIV populations, and as Coordinator of Psychosocial Oncology for Northwest Covenant Medical Center, she witnessed the unmet needs of these populations in both the public and private sector. In response to the overwhelming number of patients suffering physically, mentally, and emotionally from these life-threatening illnesses, Living With Dignity was founded

Ms. Harris' professional journey of working with the Cancer and AIDS population started in 1984 through her own personal experiences of caring for and the subsequent death of her mother from stage III astrocytoma (cancerous brain tumor). The usual recommended treatment of radiation and chemotherapy was attempted but terminated due to severe side effects. Amie, with the help of hospice, provided her mother with one-to-one, round-the-clock care and was able to nurse her mother for 16 months, surpassing the initial three-month prognosis. In April 1986, her mother died in her arms. This loss unveiled a calling to Amie to share what she had learned from this experience. As her mother’s music was a gift to the world, Amie’s calling became her life’s work to accompany individuals, families and loved ones through the journey of cancer and loss.

Amie attended Rutgers’s University graduate school obtaining her master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) and license in Clinical Social Work (LCSW). She continued on to post-graduate training in the fields of Oncology and Death and Dying, receiving certification as a Grief Therapist (CGT) from the Association of Death Education and Counseling (ADEC).

In the fall of 1998 Amie partnered with Maria. A. Caruso, M.S., C.T., L.P.C., N.C.C., to create the non-profit organization. In October 1999 the organization incorporated in the state of New Jersey and by the spring of 2000 the corporation obtained 501(c) (3) status with the IRS as a tax-exempt organization. All projects that Living With Dignity undertake are largely community based by nature and intentionally cater to intimate groups in order to give personalized support to every participant.

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