Spectra Community Support Services is a leader in multilingual distress line service.

Volunteer Quotes:

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"I have really enjoyed meeting new people at the Distress Centre and helping to provide a service to those who need it."

"I wanted 'hands on' experiences related to my major and I truly got what I wanted. My experience with the Distress Centre clarified for me what field I really wanted to go into."

"After the 1st year of volunteering at the Distress Centre, I felt very good about my experiences there and decided to stay on. I am still learning from the Distress Centre today and hopefully helping others who are in need."

"I needed volunteer experience to assist with my first career position. I strongly believe my new employer was impressed that I had chosen to volunteer with an agency that operates on the front lines of mental health care."

"I deal with people all day at my job, the skills I've been taught have helped me to deal with them more patiently. I find I am able to deal with difficult situations and individuals without becoming upset and losing my professionalism. "

"Just by giving a little bit of my time, an open ear and a sincere caring heart I have learned so much from our callers. It's definitely a rewarding experience that has helped me grow.”

 

We were incredibly amazed and proud when one volunteer wrote this about us:shutterstock_28241494b

A Volunteer Perspective - A Magic Place

“It’s funny, but here at Spectra you are challenged and you don’t even realize it. I will never forget the volunteer
coordinator’s magic words to me: "I trust you"
At that moment, she knew that I, as an immigrant and a non-native English speaker, was feeling insecure and afraid to make mistakes, but at the same time, she perceived that behind my fears I was also passionate, curious and willing to learn and to grow. I started to work in the English programs; the first day I was terrified, but the smiles, the friendliness and warmth of my fellow volunteers and the staff made me feel relaxed. I stayed, and my goal since then has been to demonstrate to our dear callers those magic words: “I trust you”. Through my conversations I am able to convey my trust in our callers, in their resilience, in their wisdom to find their unique path to well-being and happiness.

Without any doubt, for me, Spectra is a magic place.Here, volunteers receive not only invaluable knowledge from the in-class training and the professional development activities, but also acquire transferable skills which definitely are an asset in any work environment. On top of that, we make little miracles possible, being there for our callers, supporting them as they go through life’s challenges.”
 
- Article written by Volunteer from Spanish & English Distress Lines

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