Karen Pickles first called Distress Centre’s crisis line six years ago. As a single mother of two children and caregiver to someone with severe mental health issues, she found herself calling DC often. “I’m sure that we would have called on a weekly basis for the first year,” Karen recalled. “There’s been so many times where...
“Distress Centre, Gwen speaking.” “Hello, my name is Mary*,” said a soft voice on the other end of the line. “I’m having a hard day.” “I’m sorry to hear that,” responded Gwen, a crisis line volunteer at Distress Centre. “Do you want to tell me about it?” Mary sighed. “I’ve had some pretty severe health problems. I don’t...
“Distress Centre, Omar speaking.” “Hello, my name is Adam*,” said the voice on the other end of the phone. Omar*, a crisis line volunteer in the Distress Centre contact centre, listened intently. “I just filed for bankruptcy and I am so relieved. I just wanted to call and say thank you.” “I’m happy to hear you’re relieved,”...
2018 has been another challenging year for both Calgarians and our agency, due to the economy and the increased demand we’ve seen for our crisis services. We have been able to respond to the changing needs of our community thanks to the ongoing support of our volunteers, staff, Board, partners, donors, and funders. 2018 was another...
“211, Marcus speaking. How can I help you?” “I’m trying to get into a women’s shelter,” said a woman named Sofia* on the other end of the phone. “I’ve tried one but it’s full. I have a newborn as well who I need to take with me. I’m just finding this whole thing really overwhelming.” “I can...
“Distress Centre, Mei speaking.” “I am worthless,” said a low voice on the other end of the line. “I’m sorry to hear you feel that way,” Mei*, a crisis line volunteer at Distress Centre, responded. “It sounds like you’re having a really hard time. Are you having any thoughts of suicide right now?” “Yes. It’s time to end...
“Thank you for contacting Distress Centre. This is Anne.” “I’m having a panic attack right now,” Dane* told Anne, an online services volunteer. “I’m sorry to hear that,” Anne responded. “Are you safe right now?” “Yes, I’ve had panic attacks before,” Dane said. “I just need to talk to someone for a bit to calm myself down. I’m...
This year marked the 6th annual Outrun the Stigma, a walk/run in support of mental health awareness with a mission to decrease the stigma surrounding mental illness. The event, which took place on October 21st, raised $94,650 for our ConnecTeen youth program. The total raised this year exceeds that of all previous years combined, and...
Congratulations to our Executive Director, Jerilyn Dressler, who was named in Avenue Magazine's Top 40 Under 40 Class of 2018. We're very proud of Jerilyn for receiving this well-deserved recognition. [edgtf_button size="" type="" text="Read the Story" custom_class="" icon_pack="font_awesome" fa_icon="" link="https://www.avenuecalgary.com/City-Life/Top-40-Under-40/2018/Jerilyn-Dressler/" target="_blank" color="" hover_color="" background_color="" hover_background_color="" border_color="" hover_border_color="" font_size="" font_weight="" margin=""]...
In loving memory of Martha. "My grandma was so loving and caring. She always said to me ‘Do unto others as you would have them unto you’. She never got tired of helping people, and I do what I do to honour my grandmother and the God that she believed in." – Michael Michael Kirui was born...
