Mei*, a devoted mother, was shattered when she learned her young daughter had been sexually assaulted. In an instant, her world turned upside down. She felt powerless, unsure how to navigate the complex legal process ahead, and weighed down by guilt that she somehow hadn’t been able to protect her child.
With trembling hands, Mei picked up the phone to call Distress Centre Calgary’s crisis line.
On the other end wasn’t a robot, or a recording. It was a real person, Jackie*, who could hear the pain in Mei’s voice and feel the urgency in every word. Because of donors like you, responders like Jackie have the resources, training, and support to help someone at their breaking point.
This year, your generosity can go twice as far. Through our matching campaign, one donation doubles in impact, helping more people like Mei connect with responders like Jackie for support.
Jackie held space for Mei to express her fear, they validated her pain and slowly helped her forward. Step by step, Jackie guided Mei. Jackie introduced Mei to 211 Alberta, a resource she could access anytime, to connect her to any social, government and health resources she needed within the province. Mei was relieved when she and her daughter were connected to counselling services. Immediately, Jackie noticed how the panic and urgency in Mei’s voice began to settle. Because of you, Mei moved from feeling powerless and isolated to supported, informed, and hopeful. She felt stronger and had a path forward for her and her daughter to heal.
Mei’s story is not unique, many callers reach out to Distress Centre Calgary at their breaking point. What makes the difference is speaking to a real person who understands, guides, and helps find hope. Not a machine or automated system that gives robotic, cold and impersonal response.
Mei’s story is not unique, many callers reach out to Distress Centre Calgary at their breaking point. What makes the difference is speaking to a real person who understands, guides, and helps find hope. Not a machine or automated system that gives robotic, cold and impersonal response.
Because of you, Mei and her daughter found hope when they needed it most. Your support keeps trained responders on the line and human connection within reach. And through our matching campaign, your gift now helps twice as many people find their way forward.
Your gift ensures that when someone takes the hardest step, picking up the phone, they don’t get an automated voice or a digital script. They get a caring human being, ready to listen and ready to help.
Human connection saves lives.
*Names and details changed to maintain confidentiality
