Last year, two Portage Saint-Malachie staff members (Jackie Brousseau and Myriam Khediri) led a training day on prevention and awareness of sexual exploitation for youth workers in the MRCs of Montmagny-L’Islet and Bellechasse in Chaudière-Appalaches. Due to high demand, an in-depth training session is being held on Monday, March 17th, to address the challenges faced… Read more »
On Saturday, March 8th, about fifteen participants from various social reintegration programs (Mother-Child, Mental Health and Addiction, Adults, and Adolescents and Young Adults) gathered for an outdoor activity at the Portage Lac Écho centre’s site. Supported by the social reintegration counselors, the activity was organized by the HCPII (Les Habitations communautaires Portage II) residents’ committee,… Read more »
As part of International Women’s Rights Day, we had the privilege of participating in a panel hosted by our generous partner, the Valero Energy Foundation of Canada. Moderated by Louis-Philippe Gariépy, Senior Director of Public and Government Affairs – Canada, the discussion aimed to inform employees about the tangible impact of their company’s social investment… Read more »
February 21, 2025 – The Portage centre at Lac Écho welcomed Ms. Lesley Hill, National Director of Youth Protection (DPJ) and Associate Deputy Minister – Ministry of Health and Social Services. This visit is part of an approach to gain a deeper understanding of the services offered by Portage to youth with substance use and… Read more »
Mental health and addiction challenges affect a growing number of youths, often leaving families and parents feeling helpless in the face of these complex situations. During these moments of uncertainty, finding the right support at the right time becomes crucial. In an effort to increase accessibility and proximity of services, Portage has established a service… Read more »
As part of a school outing, the residents of Lac Écho’s adolescents and young adults program explored Montreal’s Biodome along with their teacher and counselors. An opportunity to discover the five ecosystems of the Americas under one roof. The adventure continued at the Insectarium, one of North America’s largest insect museums, where our young explorers… Read more »
At only 16, Julien’s life took a turn when he used his first cannabis wax pen. This highly THC-concentrated e-cigarette quickly led him into a spiral of isolation and addiction. Through Portage’s Adolescents and Young Adult Program in Prevost, Julien was able to work on the underlying reasons for his substance use and learn to… Read more »
In a remarkable show of solidarity, a few residents of HCPII (Habitations communautaires Portage II) and staff members participated in a plasma collection drive in partnership with Héma-Québec. This important initiative orchestrated by Pierre-Olivier Caron, a member of the HCPII occupants’ committee and employment counselor at MIRE, brought together six residents and two staff members…. Read more »
For the second consecutive year, employees at RBC Royal Bank invited the children from the Mother and Child program to write a letter to Santa Claus, describing the gift they wished for. Due to the postal strike, all the letters received were delivered directly to the North Pole. Additionally, Philippe Desbiolles, Deelven Veerapen, Marco Altomare,… Read more »
During National Addictions Awareness Week, Malyka, a graduate of the adolescent and young adult program, completed a seven-day, 500-kilometer cycling journey. This initiative aimed to raise public awareness about addiction challenges and collect funds to support youth in recovery. This ambitious initiative came to life through several events, including a benefit dinner and raffles supported… Read more »
