Thirty-seven teenagers from across the province assembled in Elora on Sept. 27 to celebrate the healthy lifestyle they are now living after having completed a residential drug rehabilitation program at Portage.
Surrounded by family, friends, and peers, the youth were recognized at Portage Ontario’s annual Recognition Day for having achieved various milestones over the past year.
Struggling with addiction problems, self-harm, and an eating disorder, nineteen-year-old Roxana had run away from her home in Woodbridge.
Recognizing that she needed help, she began substance abuse rehabilitation treatment at Portage in September 2014.
“Portage has changed my life in unfathomable ways…I have regained family relationships, become more responsible, and am living the life I always wanted to.”
This weekend’s Recognition Day celebration was a very special and emotional day for all the Portage alumni and families present, whose lives had been turned upside down by addiction.
The thirty-seven youth have been able to rebuild broken relationships, get back on track at school, and build some sort of plan for a brighter future.
“There is nothing more important than recognising how far these teens have come, and it’s heartwarming to see them return to celebrate their accomplishments as well as those of their peers,” said Michael Howlett, Chairman of Portage Ontario.
“Their personal successes are truly inspiring and they make every one of us extremely proud.”
Centre Wellington Mayor Kelly Linton also attended the ceremony and made comment to councillors during the Sept. 28 council meeting.
“We have an excellent facility in our town and they do great work with the youth.”
Linton said he was able to attend the graduation of the folks who had gone through the program.
“It was pretty emotional and impactful service with the families and those involved with the program.”
Linton was proud to have such a facility.
“Teens come from all over Ontario to attend that program.”
