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About Us

Distress Centre Calgary (DCC) has provided 24 hour crisis support in Calgary and southern Alberta since 1970. We do this through our 24 hour crisis line, email, daily chat, and daily text for our youth. We also have professional counselling for clients with issues that cannot be resolved over the phone. If you need help finding a social, community or government service, 211 is available by phone and online chat. Our Coordinated Access and Assessment (CAA) program serves Calgarians experiencing homelessness out of the Safe Communities Opportunity and Resource Centre (SORCe). All of our services are free.

We do not define crisis. We do not judge. Anyone can call us day or night.

Mission: Provide compassionate, accessible crisis support that enhances the health, well-being and resiliency of individuals in distress.

Vision: Everyone is heard.

Values: Accessibility, Collaboration, Compassion, Excellence, Inclusivity, Innovation, Leadership, Partnerships, Respect, Volunteerism

Leadership

Jerilyn Dressler

Executive Director

Jerilyn Dressler began her work with Distress Centre as a crisis line volunteer from 2001-2003, before completing her Bachelor of Arts in psychology at the University of Saskatchewan in 2007. Upon returning to Calgary she rejoined the Distress Centre team, providing professional support for crisis line volunteers. In 2015, Jerilyn completed her Masters of Social Work with a specialization in Leadership in the Human Services.

At the national level, Jerilyn sits on the InformCanada board which provides leadership and guidance in the field of information and referral. Jerilyn is an authentic, collaborative, and transformative leader who brings her passion and vision to every team and project she is a part of.

Directors

Robyn Romano, MSW, RSW

Director of Operations

Bianca Zhou MSA, CPA

Director of Finance

Diane Jones Konihowski, C.M. B.Ed. LLD (Honorary)

Director, Fund Development & Communications

Duane Gillissie

Director of Programs at SORCe

Managers

Chloe McBean, BSc., Psych

211 Program Manager

David Kirby, MSW, RSW, RCSW

Clinical Services Manager

Roxanne Cote BMGT

Resource Development Manager

Mike Velthius Kroeze, BSW, RSW

Crisis Program Manager

Board of Directors

Distress Centre Calgary is governed by an exemplary group of volunteers who make up the Board of Directors. They bring exceptional skills, vision and experience from a variety backgrounds to lead strategic direction, governance and fiduciary accountability. The Board is committed to ensuring Distress Centre remains an accessible, innovative and compassionate agency that delivers excellent service to our clients and continues to meet the emerging needs of our community.

Board of Directors 2020-2021

Officers:

Janet Segato, Chair – SAIT
Barbara Revay, Vice Chair
Duncan Melville, Vice Chair – The Boston Consulting Group
Linda Dietsche, Treasurer – Tervita

Directors:

Amanda Kousinioris – Enerflex Ltd.
Beth Pollock – Gibson Energy
Chantal Milloy – Levvel Inc.
Emilie Johnson – Heidrick & Struggle
Kelly Sutton – RBC
Kevin Drinkwater – JFive
Lori Berg – ATB Financial
Michael Sclafani – University of Calgary
Shauna Moscovich – Moscovich Strategy and Research Consulting
Tonino Rizzuti – ENMAX