“I had nothing before I went to Portage and today I have contentment. It may not seem like a lot, but for someone who lived in total hopelessness and misery for years, to wake up happy is a big thing.”

- Stephanie

"The most important transformation that I underwent at Portage was to increase my self-confidence and to learn how to manage my emotions. Before I went to Portage, I managed my emotions with drugs. Now, I can deal with everyday situations much better that I used to."

- Miguel

"I was consumed with serious cocaine and alcohol abuse problems. I had no self-confidence and I felt myself sinking deeper and deeper. I decided to do a program at the Mother and Child centre for my son, but mainly for myself. Now, I’m back in school and hope to become a social worker. I am very proud of what I’ve accomplished, even though it was very difficult."

- Mandy

"At the beginning it was hard, but I was so motivated to actually finish something and achieve something in my life. It was difficult to look at myself in the mirror, but I had the strength and determination to push through. I asked for help and the entire community mobilised to support me. It was overwhelming. The love that I received from my brothers at Portage… they are the ones who carried me through the process and helped me with my evolution. I achieved my goal of becoming a better man."

-Louis-Alexandre