On April 12, 2020, in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic sweeping through Canada, Portage Atlantic received a $10,000 donation from long-time supporter Dan Martell and his family. This generous donation helps maintain admission services for youth struggling with substance dependencies in the Atlantic provinces. A former resident of the Portage rehabilitation centre for youth… Read more »
As the COVID-19 continues to progress worldwide, Portage Atlantic similarly continues to adjust its programs to provide a safe and healthy environment for its residents and staff. Acting swiftly to ensure the well-being and a sense of normalcy, mobile bunker houses were acquired and set up at a safe distance from the main residential community…. Read more »
The Lewis Fitness Weight and Cardio Room is proving to be a great benefit for the male and female communities. Rather than extrapolate the benefit of fitness activities, here is feedback from the youth themselves. “I love to get stuff out of my mind. It helps me to relax. It makes me feel motivated.” “I… Read more »
A decorated tree, thoughtful gifts, Christmas music, sweets and enormous appreciation, makes the annual Lions event the perfect kick-off to the holiday season. Every first Sunday of December, the Lions from NB, PEI, NS and Maine drive to Cassidy Lake anxious to meet the youth and to finish decorating the Tree with a display of… Read more »
During the week of September 16 to 22, 2019, Portage Atlantic partnered with Tim Hortons to raise funds to support the Cassidy Lake drug addiction rehabilitation program for adolescents. Since 1996, the Canadian company Tim Hortons has been holding an annual fundraising campaign for charities across the country. Last year, the Smile Cookie Campaign raised… Read more »
Portage Atlantic hosted its Annual Recognition Ceremony at its addiction rehabilitation centre on the shores of Cassidy Lake, NB, on September 29, 2019. This ceremony celebrates youth who have either completed the residential phase of their rehabilitation treatment program, or who have maintained a positive lifestyle since they graduated one year ago. This year, 35… Read more »
As part of Portage Atlantic’s commitment to promote the importance of education, an academic plan is put in place upon entrance to the Portage Program at Cassidy Lake. Objectives range from studying towards high school credits, on-line university courses or completing a GED. Portage residents are encouraged to complete as much academic work as possible… Read more »
August 8, 2019 marked the opening of the Portage Games at the Saint-Malachie Adolescent Rehabilitation Centre. Year after year, this friendly sport competition brings together teenagers and counsellors from all of Portage addiction rehabilitation centres. This is a small event at Portage and each year, young residents from centres in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Regions… Read more »
This summer, Horse Therapy sessions were implemented into the schedule for youth in residence at Cassidy Lake. This initiative comes from Amber Parlee, a clinical staff member, who wanted to share her great love of horses with Portage Atlantic youth and the many benefits these majestic creatures transfer to young people. Amber, who owns horses… Read more »
Summer’s here and graduating residents of the Portage Academy at Cassidy Lake are looking ahead to a sober, productive life. Youth at the Cassidy Lake Rehabilitation Centre in New Brunswick attend class four hours a day. Portage firmly believes that schooling makes for better social reintegration. School programs at the Portage Academy are provided by… Read more »