Ontario

PORTAGE ONTARIO

Drug Addiction Rehabilitation for Adolescents in Ontario

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Portage Ontario, a non-profit organisation established in 1985, operates a residential drug addiction rehabilitation centre for youth in Elora, Ontario.

In the therapeutic community environment, residents work through the underlying issues that caused their substance abuse and develop a set of social competencies that will help them deal with the challenges of everyday life without resorting to drug abuse. They develop the self-esteem and confidence to go on to lead healthy, productive, drug-free lives.

The Portage Elora treatment centre serves Ontario youth referred by parents, schools, family physicians, hospitals, other addiction-treatment and youth-serving agencies, as well as Youth Justice and the Children's Aid Society.

Programs & Services

Adolescent Program

Cultural & Recreational

Portage Academy

Safety & Security

Family Services

Therapeutic Community

Testimonials

"I believe that success is a journey not a destination. Coming to Portage was one of the hardest decisions of my life.  The Portage program helped me to realise that it wasn’t just the drugs that were the problem; it was also how I viewed myself. Over time in the program I gained confidence and when I left, it was with my head held high. I’m a year and 7 months sober. I don’t think I would have made it here today if it weren’t for Portage. There have been some rocky roads and some flat tires on my journey, and I haven’t reached my destination yet.  But I’m well on my way, thanks to Portage.” - Tyler
“The staff members were supportive and I learned to trust them. I learned to respect myself more and learned many coping mechanisms to overcome my addiction and to distance myself from negative friends. Thanks to Portage, I learned to use my stubbornness in a positive way to push myself. I am here today to tell you that I survived.” - Julie
"Throughout the program, I began to see that I was as valuable as anyone else. I have learned how to understand others and how to ask for help. I know that I can’t do it by myself, but because of the family I’ve gained at Portage, I know I won’t have to." - Cardier
"Since I came to Portage I've stopped using drugs, I've stopped talking to negative people. I started becoming more independent and respecting others and myself, learning basic skills of life and just having fun without being high." - Jennifer
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Portage Ontario News

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New Office in Guelph for Youth and Families

05-26-2023
Firmly rooted in the Elora community since 1985, Portage Ontario has extended its service out of his residential centre to help more youth living with addiction and mental health concerns....
The Honourable Ted Arnott-2

The Honourable Ted Arnott, MPP visit to Elora

04-20-2023
The Honourable Ted Arnott, MPP for the riding of Wellington, and Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario visited our treatment centre in Elora to felicitate Portage on its 50th anniversary....
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Awareness Event 2023

01-18-2023
On January 17, 2023, Portage Ontario hosted its first awareness event of the year. Held at the Royal Canadian Military Institute, the evening was an opportunity to introduce community members...
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Portage Ontario Foundation

Portage Ontario’s drug addiction rehabilitation program for youth is financed in part by the Portage Ontario Foundation, which raises funds through individual and corporate donations as well as fundraising activities.

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Portage Ontario Board

The Portage Ontario Board of Directors is chaired by Danny Sgro. The Board is made up of dedicated volunteers who are involved in their local communities and who ensure the proper governance of Portage activities in Ontario.

  • Danny Sgro, Chair
  • Sara Erskine
  • John Flett
  • Peter Howlett
  • Matthew Linton
  • Lousanne Rodé
  • Colin Stairs
  • Edward Thomas

Portage Ontario Publications

Brochure
Poster
Resident's Manual