Board of Directors - Volunteer Opportunity

ABOUT DISTRESS CENTRE CALGARY

OUR PASSION

Distress Centre Calgary is a critical service in Calgary’s network of care. Our organization ensures that everyone has a place to turn to in a time of crisis by providing 24-hour crisis and navigation support. We do this through: (a) 24/7 crisis and 211 information and referral phones, chat and text lines; (b) in-person counselling service and walk-in navigation support for those that are unhoused or at risk of being unhoused; and (c) supporting several partnerships and collaboratives across the non-profit, health and justice sectors.

Our services are free, and because we do not define crisis, anyone can contact us at any time about

anything. We support all social issues, including houselessness, poverty, depression, mental health,

bullying, addiction, PTSD, domestic violence, and abuse. Our board, leadership, staff, and volunteers work collaboratively to create a unique culture and supportive work environment that sets Distress Centre apart.

The Distress Centre team does not simply have an interest in helping others; we share a commitment to achieving results through service excellence, collaboration, and innovation. Please visit

www.distresscentre.com to learn more!

OUR PLACE

The Distress Centre is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of the Treaty 7 region in southern Alberta, which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut'ina and the Iyarhe Nakoda. The traditional Blackfoot name of this place is "Mohkinstsis," which we now call the city of Calgary. The city of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation districts 5 and 6.

OUR PEOPLE

The Distress Centre believes that diversity in our Board of directors, leadership, staff, and volunteers enriches collaboration, innovation, excellence and increases the inclusiveness and effectiveness of the supports and services we offer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive Board that reflects the richness of the Calgary community we serve. This includes representation from racialized groups, Indigenous communities, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals community members, those with diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, and neurodiverse individuals.

OUR VISION

Everyone is heard.

OUR MISSION

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

OUR VALUES

Belonging, Collaboration, Volunteerism, Leadership, Integrity, Innovation, Service to Others, Excellence.

THE OPPORTUNITY

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Distress Centre’s Board of Directors is a Governance Board and is currently looking to add to the board at its upcoming Annual General Meeting in May 2026. Members of the Board are elected to office for a term of three years and may stand for an additional three years.

http://www.distresscentre.com/

Your success is based on:

-Strategic input into activating the Vision, Mission, and Values of the Distress Centre and being a true advocate for the organization;

-Raising issues and concerns that support the Vision, Mission, and the effective operation of the Distress Centre;

-Actively participating in the implementation of Distress Centre’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility framework and strategy;

-Providing support by attending special events and/or participating in Distress Centre activities; o Participating with fundraising initiatives; o Providing assistance and guidance in making connections, and supporting and advising on the long-term sustainability of the Distress Centre;

-Providing sound, objective judgement which informs decision making;

-Attending Board meetings regularly – typically 8 per year plus a strategy retreat and strategy follow-up session; and

-Serving on at least one Committee and attending Committee meetings (typically at least three per year).

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

We are targeting four candidates this year, subject to available applicants:

-One candidate will have senior finance leadership experience (potentially with a CPA designation).

-Two candidates will have senior leadership experience and knowledge, which may include strategic thinking and strategy development, governance experience, legal experience, board governance committee experience, functional responsibility for governance within an organization.

One candidate will have experience including any of the following:

-Experience with human resources, people and culture; o Experience leading technology programs and with data analytics, including an understanding

of data governance and data privacy; and

-Fund development experience, including in sustaining and growing an organization’s resources, opportunity generation and value creation.

-For all candidates, any of the following experience would be an asset:

-Mental health and addictions experience, whether in terms of employment experience within the sector or lived experience;

-Non-profit leadership experience including experience on other non-profit boards; o Experience and strong interest in developing diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility practices and understanding within an organization; and

-Familiarity with Indigenous ways of knowing and being, and building relationships with Indigenous communities.

-Attention will be given to avoiding any real or perceived conflict of interest.

PERSONAL QUALITIES

-Demonstrates high ethical standards and integrity in all interactions; o Strategic, thoughtful and collaborative; o Values and respects diverse perspectives and actively contributes meaningfully to discussions;

-Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment; and

-A positive and collaborative demeanor, a sense of curiosity, and empathy.

WHAT WE OFFER

-The opportunity to work with an experienced and talented leadership team and Board and be a key contributor; and,

-The opportunity to work for an organization that contributes significantly to the betterment of our community.

HOW TO APPLY

-If interested, please submit your cover letter and resume to: brandim@distresscentre.com

-Attention: Jeremy Busch-Howell, Chair, Governance and Nominating Committee

-Closing Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

ACCOMMODATION

If you require an accommodation such as, interview questions ahead of time, alternative application formats, virtual interview arrangements, or any other specific needs you may have to participate in the recruitment and selection process, please contact Brandi McLauchlan at 403-266-1601 or by email at brandim@distresscentre.com and we will be happy to work with you to meet your individual needs. Any requests for accommodations will not negatively impact your candidacy for the role.