Personal Story

Why Distress Centre Matters: “I’m having a panic attack right now.”

2018-11-21T22:31:40+00:00

“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 [...]

Why Distress Centre Matters: “I’m having a panic attack right now.”2018-11-21T22:31:40+00:00

Michael Kirui: From Kenya to the Distress Centre crisis lines

2018-10-16T00:02:46+00:00

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 [...]

Michael Kirui: From Kenya to the Distress Centre crisis lines2018-10-16T00:02:46+00:00

A call to Distress Centre Calgary saved my life: Lee Horbachewski

2018-10-10T18:12:43+00:00

In October 2004, Lee Horbachewski was without hope. She was suffering from untreated postpartum depression after the birth of her second daughter and was ready to take her life. She had a plan and the means to attempt suicide. In a moment of clarity, she pulled out the phone book and found the number for [...]

A call to Distress Centre Calgary saved my life: Lee Horbachewski2018-10-10T18:12:43+00:00

Celebrating 10 years of fund development with Distress Centre’s Roxanne Cote

2018-06-26T23:09:27+00:00

In tribute to Carol Oliver. For Distress Centre, the development and on-going successes of the fund development team is essential to achieving our mission of providing compassionate, accessible crisis support that enhances the health, well-being and resiliency of individuals in distress, all at no cost to the individual. It is because of Distress Centre’s dedicated [...]

Celebrating 10 years of fund development with Distress Centre’s Roxanne Cote2018-06-26T23:09:27+00:00

Kate Billett: A passion for helping others

2018-05-01T22:34:17+00:00

When Kate Billett was 16-years-old she made a decision to pursue social work. “I wanted a career where I could help people,” says Kate. “I developed a passion for crisis line work and mental health, so that’s what ultimately drove me into social work.” Originally, Kate thought she wanted to be a teacher, but her [...]

Kate Billett: A passion for helping others2018-05-01T22:34:17+00:00

Crisis line volunteer, Peter Oxland’s story: ‘Distress Centre’s vision is one that is deeply meaningful to me’

2018-03-20T21:05:08+00:00

A few months ago, Peter Oxland, a crisis line volunteer at Distress Centre Calgary, answered a call at 2:30am and heard a faint whisper on the other end of the line. “The young girl eventually shared that she had had Distress Centre’s telephone number for nine months and had finally got the courage to call,” [...]

Crisis line volunteer, Peter Oxland’s story: ‘Distress Centre’s vision is one that is deeply meaningful to me’2018-03-20T21:05:08+00:00

Edwin: The Path of Perspective

2017-11-18T01:08:05+00:00

There are many ways to describe Distress Centre Calgary counsellor, Edwin Morales. Most people would describe Edwin as compassionate, enthusiastic, and driven. However, if you ask him, there is one unique word that can summarize him entirely: Perspective. Although, this word is not common to describe someone in their entirety, the word couldn’t be more [...]

Edwin: The Path of Perspective2017-11-18T01:08:05+00:00

Finding Jasper

2017-08-25T20:05:59+00:00

18-year-old Jasper has conquered more boundaries in one year than he ever thought was possible. Jasper arrived at Distress Centre Calgary in May 2017, as a first year social work student from Mount Royal University. As a new social work practicum student, Jasper was both eager and anxious to begin his two-month placement, and with [...]

Finding Jasper2017-08-25T20:05:59+00:00

Volunteering led Carol to finding her true passion

2017-07-19T19:47:33+00:00

Carol Markusse, a successful business professional, was enjoying life with her husband and two children. Carol thought she had it all. She had obtained her undergraduate degree in business and later completed her Masters of Business Administration from Devry Institute of Technology in Calgary. Although her life seemed complete, Carol was unsettled and felt that [...]

Volunteering led Carol to finding her true passion2017-07-19T19:47:33+00:00

Ian’s Story

2023-02-10T15:44:48+00:00

Ian* lost his job in early 2016 and has been unable to secure long-term employment since then. Adding to the stress of not being able to find work, Ian has health problems he's been dealing with for months. He lives with excessive pain and is feeling hopeless. As a father to three, he worries about [...]

Ian’s Story2023-02-10T15:44:48+00:00
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