counselling

Portage Atlantic’s Moncton Community Care Program is making a significant impact by helping local youth, young adults and families facing substance use and related challenges before they reach a crisis point.

The community-based program, designed for youth and young adults aged 14 to 21, focuses on prevention, early intervention and family-centred support. Rather than waiting until treatment becomes necessary, the program provides a safe space where young people and their families can access guidance, counselling and referrals tailored to their specific needs.

“We want to be that community hub where youth, young adults and families can reach out and say, ‘I need help,’ and we can respond,” said Lisa Portelli, Centre Director at Portage Atlantic.

Since launching in Moncton, the program has seen strong community engagement. During its first year, staff conducted 117 individual meetings, welcomed 115 participants to parent support groups, delivered 57 presentations, and responded to 47 inquiries from youth and young adults seeking information or support.

Accessibility is one of the program’s top strengths

Referrals are not required, allowing youth or family members to reach out directly when they are ready to seek help.

“When a youth contacts us, we can immediately provide a listening ear, learn about their challenges and start connecting them with the services that best meet their needs,” Portelli explained.

The Moncton centre is staffed by experienced counsellors who can offer one-on-one support, connect families with resources and guide individuals toward treatment options when necessary. For some, community-based support is enough. For others with more complex needs, the program can provide a direct pathway to residential treatment through Portage Atlantic’s Cassidy Lake facility.

Portelli said the program was created in response to growing concerns about substance use and overuse in the Greater Moncton area. Through community outreach, presentations and partnerships, staff work to ensure support is available when young people decide they are ready to ask for help.

“With youth, there is often a very small window when they feel ready to reach out,” she said. “If support isn’t available right away, that opportunity can sometimes be lost.”

Key factor is a 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.

The program has also received positive feedback from participants and families, many of whom have shared testimonials about the difference the service has made in their lives.

As Portage Atlantic’s Moncton Community Care Program celebrates its first anniversary, Portelli hopes increased awareness will encourage more youth and families to access support early.

“We need people to know we’re here,” she said. “Every youth, young adult and family struggling with addiction or overuse behaviours deserves access to knowledgeable, caring and experienced support when they need it most.”