Barb Litchinsky, the new Executive Director in 1996, brought her own strengths to the organization. Suzanne Rosebrugh, a staff member who held many roles, speaks to the leadership shift: “Barb had such a can-do attitude. If she saw an opportunity that would fit and make sense, she would get the information, make sure it was a...
During the '80s, the Distress Centre/Drug Centre made its first forays into having its own technology. Jeanette was concerned about the ramifications, even though it was her very technology-proficient son, James McEachern, who made it happen. The computer sat outside Joan Roy’s counselling office, right beside Jeanette, who kept an eye out to make sure...
Image: Created from the graphic used in Annual Reports to report on the Men's Line. As the Board and management were looking to broaden services in the early 1990s, clients experiencing potential and actual family violence were requesting counselling in increasing numbers. In 1997, a proposal for a Men’s Domestic Crisis Line was put forward by...
Image: Teen Line volunteers in 1996. The Teen Line was still going strong in 1990/91 with a new 264-TEEN phone number and almost 5000 calls being answered by 28 volunteers (average age 18.5). Public education delivered by staff and volunteers included youth and parent presentations, as well as school and mall displays. Krista Moroz, former Teen Line...
Image: From a newspaper in the early '90s. A second major focus for Distress Centre/Drug Centre leadership in the '90s came from both the Board and funders. In order to maximize the use of resources and eliminate duplication of services, collaboration between social support agencies in servicing clients needed to be demonstrated in order to receive...
Image: A musician performing at the 1993 Megathon. As requested by the Board, leadership began to look seriously at ways to raise funds internally. Volunteering at casinos was ongoing, raising $13,000 in 1990, rising to $65,000 in 1999. Megathons, where donors walked, jogged and rollerbladed to raise money, began in 1991 and continued through 1996. Barb...
Image: AADAC Chair presenting plaque to DC Board Chair, Dell Stephens in 1995. Funding was an ongoing issue for the Board in the 90s. Priorities stated by FCSS and the United Way inevitably impacted the agency’s future directions. Supporting agencies that were accessible by minority populations, meeting needs around an increased violence trend, and assessing if...
Image: From a summer newsletter in 1996. Meeting the specific needs of seniors for crisis intervention became the subject of discussion among senior-serving agencies and the City of Calgary starting in 1993. Distress Centre Board Chair Murray Young began looking for funding for a dedicated seniors’ line. In cooperation with the Kerby Centre, and jointly funded...
Image: Glenda Nyberg in her home in 2018. From the beginning, volunteers have been the backbone of Distress Centre’s service to the community. One of many individuals who have commented on their importance is Dr. Jackie Sieppert, Dean of Social Work at the University of Calgary and former Board Chair: “The organization would collapse without volunteers. You...
Image: Volunteers at the 1994 Christmas party. 150 volunteers were on the lines in 1990, with a new shift from 9 pm to 2 am added due to volume. The initial phone number from 1975, 266-1605, was still the place to call in a crisis. Drumheller joined with Banff and Canmore to use a 1-800 number...
