Distress Centre Calgary Knowledge Hub
The DCC K-Hub is a partnership between UofC and Distress Centre Calgary (DCC) aimed at improving crisis response services. It focuses on creating person-centered, impactful, and relational solutions through an inclusive and culturally relevant service model.
This project seeks to collaborate with DCC in enhancing its crisis response services by making them more person-centered, impactful, and cost-effective. Together, we will innovate and co-create an inclusive, culturally relevant service model that better meets the diverse needs of our community. Our focus will be on strengthening DCC’s internal capacity through a shared, multisectoral approach. By embracing innovative strategies, we will establish 24/7 access points, phone lines, and text-based support, building a user-informed crisis and navigation pathway that drives better outcomes and reflects our collective vision.
What is a Knowledge Hub?
Knowledge Hubs are networks dedicated to sharing development experiences globally. They connect communities, users, stakeholders and academics/researchers to explore, expand, and collaborate, fostering innovation and advancing knowledge and practice through shared wisdom and expertise.
K-Hub Goals & Objectives
Quality Crisis Response
DCC utilizes advanced data collection tools, processes, and protocols to deliver high-quality, person-centered crisis response services.
Skilled Responders
Our team is equipped with the competencies and skills needed to provide high-quality, person-centered crisis response services, addressing a range of complex needs.
Capacity Building
We invest in continuous capacity-building for our responders to ensure they are well-prepared to deliver exceptional person-centered crisis response services.
Community Coordination
Distress Centre Calgary plays a crucial role in coordinating with diverse community partners to offer integrated and effective crisis response services.
Intersectionality
Working to ensure culturally responsive, inclusive, and trauma-informed support by addressing the unique needs of individuals with diverse identities.
Partnerships
Fostering meaningful partnerships with individuals and agencies that are well-versed in all the areas that want to be addressed.
Conferences
From Borders to Belonging
Solidarity and Strength: Forging Pathways to Communities Where LGBTQI Refugees Can Thrive. Presentation and Workshop, Supporting LGBTQI+ Migrants in Crisis, presented by Tara Collins, Melissa Mostert and Nasiha Fazal
More about the conference here.
View the full presentation here.
Being culturally affirming in social work means acknowledging, respecting, and integrating individuals' cultural identities, practices, and values into services to promote belonging and empowerment. How to be Culturally Affirming
Being gender affirming in social work means validating and supporting individuals' gender identities and expressions through inclusive language, practices, and advocacy that uphold their dignity and well-being. How to be Gender Affirming
Meet Our K-Hub Team!
Monica Sesma Vazquez, Ph.D., RSW, RMFT-SM and Assistant Professor. Monica is the Director at the DCC Knowledge Hub, leading research on suicide crisis response and LGBTQIA2S+ practices, with 20+ years in the mental health field.
Tara Collins, Ph.D., Research Project Coordinator. Tara earned her PhD in Social Work from UofC in 2022. With 20+ years of experience, she now coordinates research on Inuit communities and leads various project activities.
Melissa Mostert, B.Ed., MSW Candidate, Research Assistant. Melissa joined the Research Hub as a practicum student, conducting reviews and analysis on crisis support for 2SLGBTQIA+ and diverse communities. She also coordinates TFEL research on neurodivergent students.
A practicing social worker since 2009, Karen supports the team conducting interviews, analyzing data and revising the training manual to embody a trauma-informed approach.
Nasiha Fazal, BA Urban Studies, Research Assistant. Nasiha has over two years of experience at the DCC and is currently a Call Diversion Navigation Specialist at 211 Alberta. Nasiha is also a Professional Development Assistant with the Faculty of Social Work.
Nathanael Hammond, a PhD student in Economics at UofC, holds a Master’s from UofS. His research on labor economics and inequality includes workplace homophily and improving cost-effectiveness at DCC.
Elsie Anokwa, a second-year MSW student at the University of Calgary, holds a psychology bachelor's from the University of Ghana and began social work in 2005.
Kendra Neeb, BSW, MSW Candidate, Research Assistant, joined the Research Hub as a practicum student, with 10 years' experience in crisis and gender-based support.
Tristan McSwiney, BSc, MSW Candidate, is completing his Master of Social Work practicum with the Research Hub and has been with CMHA–Edmonton since 2016.
Mackenzie Jagersma
Our Strategy Team
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