Press Release – Portage’s Atlantic Moncton Community Care Program celebrates its first anniversary

Portage’s Atlantic Moncton Community Care Program celebrates its first anniversary  

Moncton, New Brunswick, July 28, 2026 — One year after its launch, Portage’s Atlantic Moncton Community Care Program continues to support youth and families through prevention, early intervention and family-focused services. As substance use and overdose-related issues remain a growing concern in Greater Moncton, the program highlights the importance of proactive, community-based efforts designed to provide youth and their families with meaningful, tailored support that meets their needs before challenges escalate into crises.  

Since its launch, the program has supported youth and families through individual counselling sessions, parent support groups, presentations and outreach activities delivered in schools and community settings. In its first year alone, the program conducted 117 individual meetings, welcomed 115 parent support group participants, delivered 57 presentations and responded to 47 inquiries from youth seeking information and support. 

“When a youth says, ‘I need help because I’m scared. I don’t want this life anymore,’ every moment counts,” said Lisa Portelli, Centre Director at Portage Atlantic. “By meeting youth where they are and offering immediate, compassionate support, our counsellors can turn a moment of fear and uncertainty into an opportunity for recovery. Many of our team members bring lived experience and can genuinely relate to the challenges youth face, allowing them to build trust and form meaningful connections with youth. Together with our partners, we are helping young people and their families move beyond fear toward hope, healing and lasting change.” 

A key factor in the program’s success has been its collaborative approach. Throughout the year, Portage developed strong relationships with schools, community organizations and local service providers, helping create a coordinated response to youth substance use and mental health concerns. These partnerships have expanded access to support and strengthened referral pathways for youth and families. Together, the team and its community partners have fostered a safe, non-judgmental environment where young people and their families feel supported, heard and empowered to seek help. 

“As a parent, there is no greater relief than seeing your child rediscover hope and direction. Portage supported our family when we felt overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. Their caring, non-judgmental approach made all the difference, helping my son regain stability and confidence while reminding us that recovery is possible”, said Nadine Leger, mother of a youth who participated in Portage Atlantic’s Moncton Community Care Program. 

For some youth, the Moncton Community Care Program also serves as a gateway to additional services when needed. Developed in response to a need identified among youth who often felt unprepared and uncertain about what to expect from treatment, the program provides information, guidance and individualized support to help them and their families navigate the next steps in their recovery journey, including admission to Portage’s residential treatment program at Cassidy Lake. This early connection helps ease anxiety, build trust and ensure a smoother transition into treatment.  

As substance use and mental health challenges continue to affect communities across the region, Portage remains committed to providing accessible, prevention-focused support and ensuring that youth and families receive help before challenges become crises. 

The first anniversary also provides an opportunity to recognize and thank the Sharps of Sussex Mayflower Foundation, The Windsor Foundation, Ecclesiastical Insurance, Atlantic Lottery and the Lockhart Foundation, whose support has helped make the program’s success possible. Their collaboration continues to strengthen youth wellness and recovery throughout Greater Moncton.  

About Portage Atlantic  

For 30 years, Portage Atlantic has operated a bilingual live-in treatment program in Cassidy Lake, New Brunswick, for youth aged 14 to 21. Grounded in the therapeutic community approach, the program emphasizes positive peer role models and helps youth build self-esteem and resilience.  Portage Atlantic is accredited by Accreditation Canada, reflecting its commitment to delivering high-quality evidence-informed care.   

For the past year, the Moncton Community Care Program has provided free, confidential and non-judgmental intervention, support and referral services to youth aged 14 to 21 and their families. No referrals are required.  

Phone: 506-383-7328
Email: pamoncton@portage.ca
Learn more: https://portage.ca/en/atlantic/moncton-community-care-program/ 

For more information: www.portage.ca 

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Media Contact 

Carol Tracey
Director of Corporate Development
Portage Atlantic (Fredericton)
506-472-4847
ctracey@portage.ca 

Mélissa Cabana
Director of Communications
Portage (Montréal)
514-799-8985
mcabana@portage.ca