05-06-2021

For the past two years, the partnership between Portage and Energy Valero Foundation of Canada has made it possible to provide fun and recreational activities to Portage’s mother and child program located in Montreal.

This program offers pregnant women and mothers struggling with addiction to undergo rehabilitation therapy while keeping custody of their children. It helps preserve the family unit by developing the mothers’ emotional bond with their children.

Valero and Portage, working side by side to bring back the joy of being a mother

Weekend activities have been around for several years within the mother and child program. The outstanding contribution made by Energy Valero of Canada has enhanced this vital therapy complement. Thanks to this partnership, Portage was able to hire a special education teacher to oversee the planning and running of the activities. These experiences help mothers be accountable. A recreation specialist also came to assist the team by offering a host of activities to work on children’s development in terms of communication, motor skills, and social skills.

One of the special education teachers who oversees some of the activities commented on the benefits she observed: “These activities allow residents to spend quality time with their children and give them an opportunity to be together otherwise. The community’s teamwork and mutual support are the core of the project.”

During the pandemic, we gave priority to certain activities that were redesigned to comply with Public Health guidelines. Cooking, arts and crafts, or a visit to the library are everyday life activities that can easily be repeated when mothers are reintegrated into society.

Portage extends its heartfelt thanks to Energy Valero Foundation of Canada for generously contributing to the well-being of these women and their children. Thank you for believing in their future.

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