Image: Volunteers in 2006. Read - 50 Stories Part 31 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...
Read - 50 Stories Part 30 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,...
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. Read - 50 Stories Part 29 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...
As the COVID-19 pandemic first unfolded, we remained hopeful that we would still be able to celebrate our 10th Anniversary of Lend An Ear on September 23rd, as well as our 50th Anniversary on May 13th. Unfortunately, COVID-19 restrictions have forced us to cancel both events. We are hoping to officially celebrate our 50th Anniversary sometime...
Image: Created from the graphic used in Annual Reports to report on the Men's Line. Read - 50 Stories Part 28 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...
In Week 25 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. We’re proud that we’ve been able to support Calgarians through such a difficult time....
The Shaw Charity Classic has unfortunately been cancelled this year, but Shaw is committed to continuing the tournament’s legacy of giving. They have generously launched a text-to-donate matching campaign - Chip in for Kids! Chip in for Kids today by texting KIDS084 to 30333 and help us support teens in distress through our ConnecTeen program. Shaw...
Image: Teen Line volunteers in 1996. Read - 50 Stories Part 27 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...
Image: From a newspaper in the early '90s. Read - 50 Stories Part 26 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...
