Participating in the Moncton Community Care Program, Portage’s outreach program for families, has been one of the most valuable supports our family has found throughout our journey.
While online meetings are helpful, there is something incredibly powerful about meeting face to face. Being in the same room creates a deeper level of connection. Conversations feel more personal, trust develops more naturally, and relationships form more easily. There is comfort in sitting across from people who truly understand what you are going through. These in-person meetings have allowed us to build genuine connections and foster a sense of community that is difficult to replicate online.
One of the things I appreciate most about the group is that, for a couple of hours, I don’t have to explain myself. I don’t have to justify why I’m worried, why I’m exhausted, why a small success feels like such a major victory, or why a setback can be so heartbreaking. Everyone in the room already understands. They have lived similar experiences and know the emotional roller coaster that comes with loving a child who is struggling with addiction and mental health challenges. That shared understanding creates a sense of belonging that is both rare and deeply healing.
A tremendous part of the program’s success is thanks to Suzy Boucher. Suzy leads with compassion, authenticity, and genuine understanding. She openly shares her own family’s journey—both the challenges and the successes—and her willingness to be vulnerable creates a safe space for other parents to do the same. Her lived experience brings credibility, hope, and practical wisdom that cannot be learned from a textbook. She has an incredible ability to listen without judgment, offer encouragement when it is needed most, and remind parents that they are not alone.
I am especially grateful to Suzy for the support she provided following my daughter’s departure from Portage. Continuity of care is such an important part of recovery, and that transition period can be incredibly challenging for both youth and their families. My daughter struggled with the technology required to access supports and found it difficult to connect virtually. Recognizing these challenges, Suzy stepped in and offered to provide ongoing continuum of care support. Her kindness, flexibility, and willingness to go above and beyond made a significant difference during a very difficult time. It ensured my daughter remained connected to support when she needed it most and gave our family peace of mind, knowing she was not navigating that transition alone.
I would also like to recognize Allison Hill, who recently joined the program. Although she is new to the group, she has already brought warmth, kindness, and genuine compassion to the families she supports. Her welcoming presence and willingness to listen have helped create an environment where parents feel comfortable sharing their experiences. I look forward to the positive impact she will continue to have as part of the Moncton Community Care Program team.
Together, Suzy and Allison create a safe and supportive environment where parents feel heard, understood, and encouraged. Their dedication helps families build meaningful connections, find hope, and realize they do not have to walk this journey alone.
The friendships and connections formed through this group have truly become our village. We celebrate one another’s victories, support each other through difficult times, share resources and ideas, and remind one another that we can keep going, even when the road feels overwhelming. Knowing there are people who truly understand—and who are only a phone call, text message, or meeting away—has made an enormous difference in many of our lives.
I am incredibly grateful for the Moncton Community Care Program and for Suzy Boucher’s dedication to supporting families. This program has provided far more than information and resources. It has offered connection, understanding, hope, and a community of parents who walk alongside one another. At a time when many of us felt isolated and overwhelmed, this program helped us find our village and reminded us that none of us has to face this journey alone.
— Sue, parent and participant in Portage Atlantic’s Moncton Community Care Program for Families
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