At Distress Centre Calgary, connection is the foundation of everything we do. Whether it’s a phone call, text, or face-to-face interaction, every service we provide begins with one human reaching out to another for support, empathy, and hope. That same spirit fuels how our staff and volunteers work together behind the scenes.
Over the past year, our volunteer program has seen exciting growth, thanks to the intentional efforts of our volunteer team to deepen those internal and external connections.
The result? A more rewarding experience for our volunteers and practicum students —and stronger support for the people who rely on our crisis and mental health services.
Building a Stronger Volunteer Community in Calgary
Shannon, Volunteer Program and Training Manager at DCC, shared that a big part of this year’s success came from working closely across departments to strengthen internal relationships.
“In order to provide meaningful support to those we serve, we must first cultivate strong, connected teams within our own walls,” Shannon said.
The team embraced this wholeheartedly. From walk-and-talks and meet-and-greets to collaborative trainings and our much-loved Volunteer Appreciation Event, each initiative helped foster a sense of community and purpose among volunteers and staff alike.
One especially impactful initiative has been the expansion of our mentorship program. Volunteers are paired with staff mentors who check in at least once a month — a simple but effective step that led to a 400% increase in mentorship engagement in early 2025 compared to late 2024. It also helped re-engage former volunteers.
“Connection really does matter,” Shannon said. “It’s made a visible difference in our volunteers’ experiences and their decision to stay involved.”
Equipping Volunteers for Impact
Our Crisis Line volunteer program in Calgary continues to grow, with a 40% increase in trainees completing responder training in early 2025 compared to the previous year. It’s a clear reflection of both rising interest and the strength of our training model.
“It speaks to the growing interest in the work we do, but also to how well our team supports and prepares volunteers for it,” Shannon said.
Our Practicum Program has also grown tremendously thanks to active partnerships with post-secondary institutions across Western Canada. By improving student placement and support, we’re on track to increase practicum placements by more than 1000% in 2025.
Empowering Calgary’s Youth through ConnecTeen
Our ConnecTeen program has delivered 250% more presentations and workshops than last year, reaching over 18,000 young people so far in 2025. Through collaboration with schools and youth-serving organizations, teens are learning about mental health — and stepping up as volunteers.
Since fall 2024, youth volunteer recruitment for ConnecTeen has gone up by 31%, reflecting a new generation of compassionate young people stepping up to help their peers.
The Real Human Impact
Numbers only tell part of the story. The most powerful moments are often the personal ones. Shannon recalled a moment at a recent walk/run fundraiser that beautifully captured what the work is all about.
She and a colleague were walking the event route when they spotted a volunteer up ahead. As they called out, a woman nearby overheard and asked, “Are you really a Distress Centre volunteer?”
When Shannon said that she works for DCC, the woman said: “Thank you. This is my daughter, and we can be here today because of the services you’ve offered.”
Her daughter had used Distress Centre’s services during a difficult time. Because of the compassionate support she received, her daughter had found a path forward, and her whole family had felt the impact.
“For the next little while, we walked together: DCC staff, volunteer, and a former service user and her mother,” Shannon recalled. “It was a powerful reminder that the ripple effect of a single conversation can touch so many lives.”
Be Part of the Ripple Effect
This past year has been a celebration of connection — between staff, students, volunteers, and the people we serve. And the journey is just getting started.
If you’ve ever thought about making a difference in Calgary, now is the perfect time.
No prior experience is necessary — just compassion, time, and a passion for supporting mental health in Calgary.
Learn more about Distress Centre Calgary’s volunteer opportunities and become part of this incredible community. Visit distresscentre.com/volunteer to get started.
