On November 16, 2024, my daughter Riley ran away from home. For 108 days, I lived with a constant ache of not knowing where she was, how she was, or if she was safe. I knew she was struggling with drugs and alcohol, and despite doing everything I could—calling Social Development, checking in with her school—I felt like I was losing her and there was nothing left I could do.
In early January, Riley was placed in a group home, but it didn’t last. When I got the call that she was being discharged, I was sitting in my office, completely overwhelmed and out of options. That night, I called Portage, not expecting to reach anyone. But Amber, Portage Atlantic’s Admissions Agent, answered. She took the time to truly listen to me—really listen—and for the first time in months, I felt a sense of hope.
Not long after, Riley agreed to go to Portage. Dropping her off was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I was scared, uncertain, and holding onto the smallest bit of hope that this might help.
What I didn’t realize then was just how much Portage would change our lives.
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.
Portage didn’t just help Riley—it gave me my daughter back. It gave our family a second chance, and for that, I will be forever grateful.
As Portage Atlantic marks its 30th anniversary, I’m deeply grateful to be one of the many families whose lives have been changed here. Thank you for three decades of hope and healing.
- Mother of Riley, Cassidy Lake Youth Center, New Brunswick
Leave a Reply