PASAGE

Saint John

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Who are we

Our history

PASAGE Saint John Inc. is a non-profit charitable organization formed in October, 1984 by a group of citizens concerned about drug abuse in the Saint John community, and at the time was known as MADD (Mothers Against Drug Abuse Inc.).

In October of 1986, MADD officially became PRIDE Saint John Inc. (Parent Resources Institute for Drug Education), a chapter of PRIDE Canada.

In February 2000 a fire totally destroyed the former office space, and all programs and services had to be completely replaced.

In line with this ‘fresh start,’ On October 1st, 2004 (during the 20th year of operation), the name was changed to PASAGE Saint John Inc. (Preventing Addiction, Substance Abuse & Gambling Education) to reflect the addition of gambling made to the mandate in 2002.

With 25 years of experience working with youth in the Greater Saint John community, in 2010, PASAGE Saint John Inc. has begun shifting its mandate to better meet the needs of high school-aged youth.

Awards

2012: Our Executive Director, Joyce Melvin, received a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for her 22 years of commitment to working in local community organizations.

2009: Honoured to be 1 of 8 recipients of a New Brunswick Community Star Award acknowledging our commitment in the prevention of substance abuse and promotion of healthy choices in our community.

1995: Received the PRIDE Canada Parent Team Award presented in Winnipeg Manitoba.

1995: Recipients of the Dr. Everett Chalmers Award of Distinction presented by the Province of New Brunswick.

Publications and Presentations

  • In 2014, we launched a new program for grade 9 High School students called Healthy Choices for Youth.
  • In  2011, new website launched.
  • During the summer of 2008, a short video was made by students.
  • In 2005 received a $40,205 Health Canada Drug Strategy Grant for a Marijuana Awareness Project.
  • Executive Director was a guest speaker at the St. Stephen Prescription Drug Task Force Community Meeting (100 attendees).
  • Guest speaker at NB Community College 2nd Annual Child Care Conference in May 2004 in Miramichi.
  • Guest speaker at the Provincial Crime Prevention Conference.
  • In July 2002, an email newsletter, know as “PASAGE POINTS” was designed.
  • In 1996 created a drug education website with pages for kids, youth, and parents.