A new satellite office has opened in Moncton to help youth and families struggling with substance use, and the team behind it is wasting no time reaching out.
Portage Atlantic launched its Community Care Program office last Friday, with services officially beginning on Monday.
Located at 22 Church Street in the Integrated Youth Services building, the office provides early intervention support for youth aged 14 to 21 dealing with addiction and mental wellness issues.
The Moncton site helps youth and families transition to Portage’s residential treatment program at Cassidy Lake, near Sussex.
It allows them to get to know the therapeutic approach before deciding to commit to live-in care.
Carol Tracey, Portage Atlantic’s director of development, says the initiative grew out of direct feedback from youth and years of experience.
“We evolve in how we serve our clients based on best practices and on what youth in our programs tell us they need,” she said.
Tracey noted that in a 2024 survey conducted during the exit phase of residential treatment, 21 per cent of youth reported feeling unprepared for the program before admission.
By introducing services in Moncton, Portage hopes to offer a softer entry point, helping young people understand the program’s structure, values, and supports.
The office is also intended to engage youth who may be hesitant about treatment or unsure whether Portage is a good fit.
Workshops and information sessions will be held for youth and families, with support offered both in person and online.
“We’re hopeful this creates new opportunities for youth who may not have considered live-in treatment,” Tracey said.
“Being in their community helps reduce barriers.”
Two staff members are spearheading outreach and forging connections with other organizations in Moncton. While the office has only just opened, Tracey says demand is already evident.
“There have been a lot of calls and face-to-face meetings in the first few days,” she said.
“There’s traction. We’re optimistic.”
Portage Atlantic has been part of New Brunswick’s addiction care system for nearly three decades.
It’s Cassidy Lake Centre operates a bilingual, therapeutic community model that emphasizes peer support and personal growth.
The Moncton satellite office continues that focus, while broadening access.
Family support remains central. Parents are involved from the start, attending weekly workshops and virtual meetings to support their child’s progress.
The Moncton initiative is funded through a two-year pilot supported by the Sharps of Sussex Mayflower Foundation.
With strong early interest, Tracey says there is hope the model could expand to other communities.
“If it proves valuable, we’d love to be able to offer this kind of care in more regions,” she said.
“The need is there, and we’re ready to help.”
