Image: 211 staff in 2006. Many people who call Distress Centre are looking for information to solve immediate problems. Social issues often require assistance from multiple organizations, who unlike Distress Centre, may not be open 24/7. In 2003, Barb Litchinsky began talking about a solution to this issue through a partnership with Distress Centre and the...
Guest post: Roxanne Cote, Resource Development Manager at Distress Centre (DC), started at DC in 2008. She planned and executed the first Lend An Ear in 2011 (then under a different name) and has led the planning and execution every year since. Image: Roxanne Cote (right) with keynote speaker Tom Jackson at Lend An Ear 2015....
Image: Counsellors at a team building event in 2000. Counsellors in the first half of the 2000s continued providing face-to- face meetings, referrals, volunteer training and volunteer supervision, practicum student guidance, as well as the administration of the Instrumental Needs Fund for families in financial crisis. Addressing changing needs Blair Collins, Counsellor responsible for the Drug Line, recalls: [caption...
Since we can’t gather in person for Lend An Ear’s 10th Anniversary, we’re spending the month celebrating 10 years of Lend An Ear by remembering the laughter, tears and inspirational moments we’ve experienced since 2011. We’ll be sharing stories, videos and other content to lendanearyyc.com all month long, but things will really start rolling on September...
Image: Distress Centre staff if 2004. In 1998, Distress Centre was located just off of MacLeod Trail on 11th Avenue SW. A Board committee was formed to investigate moving as the existing lease was set to expire in 1999. A new central site was sought with accessibility to LRT and bus routes, staff and visitor parking,...
In the sixth month of our COVID-19 response, we continue to support Calgarians by providing 24/7 crisis and 211 phone support, daily chat and ConnecTeen text support. Counselling sessions are being conducted by phone and video. If you need help, please reach out. Since our last update, we experienced an unmanageable increase in contacts from people...
Image: Volunteers in 2006. In the early 2000s, a new vision statement was crafted for Distress Centre: "To be the primary information, referral and crisis service provider in our community – a model for other communities to emulate. Our approach will honour and respect the human potential of those who serve and those who are served." Human resources...
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...
See this update as a video! Hello and good day everyone! I hope you are able to take some time to enjoy the summer weather, despite not being able to venture too far from home this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As we move into the fifth month of the pandemic, I want to encourage...
Image: A staff or volunteer in the early 2000s. 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,...
