Celebrating 30 Years of Impact at Portage Atlantic
For 30 years, Portage Atlantic has been transforming the lives of youth and their families at Cassidy Lake.
This anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the journeys, voices and milestones that have shaped our community — and to celebrate the impact we have built together.
Explore the stories, moments and people behind 30 years of hope, healing and change.
30 years of impact
From our beginnings to today, this video highlights the defining moments that shaped Portage Atlantic — and the thousands of lives transformed along the way.
A legacy of impact
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30 years of service in Atlantic Canada
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Over 3,500 youth supported
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Thousands of families and communities impacted
Behind every number is a story of courage, resilience and change.
Stories that define our journey
Behind every milestone are the people who made it meaningful. As part of this anniversary, we are proud to present:
30 YEARS. 30 STORIES. 1 MISSION.
This anniversary is, above all, about people.
“30 Years. 30 Stories. 1 Mission.” is a testimonial series that highlights the human impact of Portage Atlantic through the voices of those who have lived it — youth, families, staff, alumni and partners.
Each story reflects a unique journey, but all share a common thread: transformation.
Real voices. Real stories. Real impact.
These stories remind us why Portage Atlantic exists — and why its mission continues to matter.
Discover more stories
Continue reading the journeys, reflections and voices that define Portage Atlantic.
A Community That Helps Our Children Thrive
"We have been a part of the Portage Atlantic family for a little over a year.
The staff are nothing short of amazing! They build a community where our children can thrive, see their self‑worth, develop life skills, pursue their education, practice self‑reflection in groups, and learn respect, responsibility, emotional management — and, most of all, acceptance. They give everyone, including family members, the opportunity to become the best version of themselves.
Once you become part of Portage Atlantic, you have relationships, continuity of care when returning to the community, support, resources, and always someone to listen on your darkest days and to celebrate your successes and victories on your brightest days.
I am grateful — both as a mother and as an individual — for everyone involved in making sobriety possible for my child and for teaching us skills as her team.
Congratulations to Portage Atlantic on their 30th anniversary, and thank you for everything you do for the community."
— Amanda, mother of an alumni
My Real-Life Superheroes
"When James was very young, he would often ask me, “Mom, if you could be any superhero or have any superpower in the world, what would it be?”
I could never come up with an answer, since I wasn’t much into superhero movies…
Today, I finally have one: my superheroes are the Communities at Portage and the staff.
The therapeutic community approach you have is amazing — seeing those kids help and support each other is incredible.
We are truly very thankful for you being there for James and for us, any time, day or night. We learned so much through the Parent Support Groups. There is no other support like it.
Again, thank you for giving us our son back. His sister has her brother back, James's kids have their father back, and his girlfriend has her partner back.
Congratulations to Portage Atlantic on its 30-year anniversary — we are grateful to be part of its story."
— Sincerely, Parent of an alumni
“We perform miracles at Cassidy Lake. We take young people who are challenged by their addiction and at the end of their treatment they are better prepared to face their lives’ journey”
First Chairman of Portage Atlantic, Roderick Nolan (1996 to 2004)
It’s hard to express in a few words the impact Portage has had on myself and my loved ones. In a world of so many challenges, Portage exemplifies hope, goodness, and a genuine compassion for our youth. My own personal experience with Portage was twofold...
John Maunder, Governor or Portage Atlantic, Parent of Alumni
As we learned that Portage Atlantic is marking its 30th anniversary this year, it made us realize just how many families have walked this road before us — and how grateful we are to have found this place when our daughter needed it most. From a grateful parent: thank you for helping give our daughter her life back.
Parent of an alumni
A Light in the Darkest Moments
"Portage was a huge stepping stone for coming out of the darkest spot of my life. At a time when I thought I meant nothing, I was shown empathy and learned life skills I never thought I’d achieve in this lifetime. What helped me the most was meeting other people who had similar traumas that addiction can bring, and sharing my story with people whose goal was the same as mine: finding purpose in being sober and learning to heal from my past.
Portage is much more than a rehabilitation centre. It is a home to many like me who never felt like they had a home, and overall a beacon of light in the darkness of addiction.
Congratulations to Portage for its 30-year anniversary — I’m honored to be part of what Portage represents."
— Sincerely, Mikala, alumni
Clarity and control came when I finally chose to work on myself.
"Before going to Portage, I was in a bad place. I felt lost, had very little control over my life, and kept making decisions without thinking about the consequences. At Portage, I learned how to slow down and actually work on myself. The program gave me structure, helped me take responsibility, and showed me healthier ways to deal with things instead of falling into the same patterns.
Since finishing the program, I feel much more clear‑headed and in control. I’m making better choices and trying to move my life in a more positive direction. Portage is important to me not just because it helped me change my life, but also because of the community and the staff there. Being surrounded by people who were going through similar struggles made me feel understood and less alone.
I’ve now been sober for one year and six months. Happy 30th, Portage!"
– Kenneth, alumni
Working with youth for 24 years has brought both challenges and deeply rewarding moments. It has been incredibly fulfilling to watch young people overcome their struggles and grow into confident, contributing individuals.
I am especially proud of the academic program and its development over the years, including the strong partnership we built with our local school district. Together, we supported students in progressing to the next grade level or graduating from their home schools. We also helped many successfully complete their General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
It is remarkable to reflect on Portage’s 30 years in New Brunswick and the meaningful impact it has had on individuals and families.
I hope this essential service continues to support communities for many years to come.
— Thank you, Randy, Staff, Cassidy Lake
Portage helped me get sober by teaching me how to live a healthy, substance free lifestyle — how to take care of myself and others. Now that I’m sober, I see a real change in myself. I’ve reunited with my family. They have the old me back — and most importantly, I recognize the person in the mirror again. I have my old hobbies back. I graduated high school, and I’m looking for jobs. I even have a new friend group that I met at Portage, and they live in my city. I will always be grateful for Portage.
Riley, alumni
From the very beginning, I never felt alone. The staff kept me connected, informed, and supported. More importantly, they never gave up on Riley, even when things were hard. They gave her structure, patience, and care, and slowly, she began to find herself again. Today, Riley has been home for six months. She is one year sober. She has stopped self-harming. She is healthy, present, and building a future for herself. Our home is peaceful again, and our relationship is stronger than I ever imagined it could be...
Mother of Riley
Portage is important to me because it helped me get sober from drugs and learn better habits and skills. From my experience in the program, I have learned many skills, for example communicating effectively, being organized and orderly, being self-aware and confident.
The support I received has helped me get sober, get through my relapses and slips, learn new skills for everyday life, and talk about how I am feeling.
While staying at Portage, I learned many things about myself: I enjoy reading and writing, I love music, making new friends and connections, and I have discovered that I am quite comedic.
I find that I grew here in many ways. I have better relationships with my friends and family, I’ve been staying sober, I am much more mature, and I’m not trying to be someone I’m not.
Congratulations to Portage and the staff for the 30-year anniversary. I am very grateful to be involved with this program. It has done so much for me and my family, and I cannot thank it enough.
— Sincerely, Will, alumni
Portage has had a lasting impact on my life in ways that are difficult to fully put into words. What once felt like my last chance became one of the most important turning points in my life. I can confidently say that Portage is more than just another rehab; it is a second home.
When I first arrived at Portage, I was a version of myself that I hardly recognize now. I was struggling, angry, and unable to take accountability for my actions...
— Kaylee, Alumni
Celebrating together
Power of Change – 30th Anniversary Fundraising Gala
Join us on November 5 in Fredericton for a special evening celebrating 30 years of impact at Portage Atlantic.
This milestone event will bring together donors, partners, alumni and community members to recognize the journeys that have shaped our mission — and help us continue supporting youth for years to come.
An evening of connection, recognition and purpose — all in support of life-changing programs.
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