James Lemon

Dynamic professional with experience at The Calgary Distress Centre, excelling in crisis intervention and communication. Proven ability to build rapport and assess risk, ensuring callers feel heard and supported. Skilled in data analysis and report writing, with a commitment to enhancing mental health resources and fostering resilience in individuals during crises.

• I am quite active and regularly go to the gym, play sports (hockey, golf, softball, tennis, and badminton), go biking, and hiking. I also enjoy spending time at home with my long-term girlfriend and spending time together. We recently got a puppy so that keeps us busy. I enjoy playing games (cards, board games, or video games) or reading books on various topics of interest. On weekends I enjoy going camping, trying new foods, exploring a new location or spending time with my long-time girlfriend, family, or friends

To Whom It May Concern: I am pleased to provide a letter of reference in support of James Lemon. I have been James’s Contact Centre Coordinator since he began volunteering at Distress Centre Calgary in 2024. He is known to our organization as an unbelievably valuable team member and from our records and staff feedback that has been consistent throughout his time with us. I have had the pleasure of meeting with James many times over this period and have talked with him about his experience on our crisis lines. Distress Centre is a not-for-profit agency which has played a fundamental role providing crisis support, information, and referrals to the Calgary community since 1970. It is often the first point of contact for someone who is unable to cope alone any longer. Our volunteers provide a listening ear and warm support to all who call our 24-hour crisis line, 403.266.HELP (4357) or reach out to us through chat at DistressCentre.com. Given the volume and nature of the calls, each of our volunteers is in a position of trust and has been thoroughly screened, trained, and evaluated. Last year, volunteers and staff like (Volunteer) helped to respond to 119,332 contacts for help. James completed over 60 hours of training in preparation to become a Distress Centre crisis line responder. The training was split into two general sections: a classroom training format and applied practice in supervised shifts with experienced leadership volunteers. The training taught James valuable information concerning suicide, crisis intervention, grief and loss, relationships, addictions, youth issues, mental health, domestic violence and more. Throughout training he was evaluated on skills related to caller support including risk and suicide assessment, establishing rapport and trust, voice tone, active listening, validation, assessing resources, and offering referrals. James received excellent scores on all his evaluations, leading his to a successful transition to independent shifts. After the initial training, James demonstrated the desire to continually learn and enhance his skills by welcoming developmental feedback and applying it to his work in an effective manner. James works with a respectful and non-judgmental attitude that is evident in all his calls and chats. He responds to the unique concerns of each person with compassion, understanding, and an open mind. James prioritizes safety in all his contacts and excels at making relevant safety plans and risk assessments. James’s genuine concern for the service users, his warmth, empathy, and his knowledge of many resources make his an exceptional crisis line responder. James demonstrates self-awareness by utilizing organizational support and debriefing after challenging calls. Dealing with critical and often stressful contacts, he stays focused, attentive, and level-headed. James is clear, concise, and astute in both his assessment of problems and effective communication skills. James is careful to set clear boundaries and practice self-care after challenging calls. James started as a volunteer at Distress Centre in 2024 and at the time of this writing has contributed more than 200 hours in Distress Centre programs as a crisis line worker. He has shown themselves to be a reliable, generous, and dedicated addition to the team. James’s contribution to the 24/7 services offered at Distress Centre is irreplaceable because of his devoted passion for crisis intervention work.  If you have any further questions about James, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, Rinad Al Adani Contact Centre Coordinator, Community Resource Specialist Distress Centre Calgary P: 403.266.1601 (Email: rinada@distresscentre.com )

Andreas E. Tomaszewski, Ph.D. (Sociology) Dept. of Environment, Culture & Society Faculty of Arts Open Learning Faculty Member (Criminology & Sociology) Email: ATomaszewski@TRU.Ca Skype: DrAndreasTomaszewski Cell Phone: 250-444-1820

I came to know the applicant while he was pursuing his Bachelor of Arts at Thompson Rivers University, from which he graduated last year. Between the fall of 2020 and spring of 2024, he took over a dozen courses with me. This included a Directed Studies course, during which time I worked closely with him on a one-on-one basis and became very familiar with his work habits and general approach to accomplishing tasks more than ever before. Aside from his excellent written and oral communications skills, as well as analytical and critical thinking skills, I have always been impressed by his excellent time management, which he consistently displayed by excelling in his academic work while also being able to meet other obligations. His work was always submitted in a timely manner and exceeded expectations. He works well independently and in teams and takes feedback and direction well. Further, the applicant is very professional, reliable, trustworthy, ethical, and industrious. He has demonstrated excellent judgment and boundaries and will be an asset to your program and an excellent future ambassador of the program and institution, as well as valued and successful counseling professional.

Please let me know if you have any further questions. I can be reached via email or phone (please see above). Kind regards, Dr. Andreas Tomaszewski

My name is Lee-Anne Schwager and I am the team lead for the Roads divisions at the Town of High River.

I have had the pleasure of working with James for multiple seasons here and every season it was sad to see him go!

James is a unique guy! He brings with him a calm, gentle nature a hard work ethic and a keen desire to help others.

He quickly learned to operate various tools and equipment and was reliable and consistent in completing his tasks.

James was always punctual, positive, and showed up every day with a smile and eagerness to start his day.

He made friends quickly and was able to connect and work with everyone on the team. James did not hesitate to share his feelings, experiences and/or concerns and always demonstrated open communication.

He would be a definite asset to any team or setting and puts his whole heart into all he does.

I wish nothing but the best in his future endeavors!

Lee-Anne Schwager

Roads & Solid Waste/Recycling Lead Hand

Town of High River

Main: 403.652.4657