Bridging the gap between compassionate care providers and the community
Read how the Portico Care Centre is making a meaningful impact in the community by connecting people with holistic care – through seminars, support groups, 1:1 counselling sessions, and the Food Pantry – while building a growing network of more than 80 care providers committed to supporting people’s physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, it is my privilege to share this message reflecting on the continued growth, impact, and direction of the Portico Care Centre.
Over the past two years, our organization has strengthened its role as a trusted, compassionate presence in the community – one committed to caring for the whole person: body, soul, and spirit.
The Care Centre began with a simple but profound question: “What if we could help?” Today, that question continues to shape our mission and guide our decisions. What started as a vision has grown into a vibrant network of care providers, volunteers, partners, and donors who share one purpose: ensuring every individual has access to dignified, holistic support. As the Impact Report reminds us,
“Behind every number is a person, a story, a need, and an opportunity to make a difference.”
This past year, the Care Centre has demonstrated remarkable reach and effectiveness. Through seminars, groups, counselling, and practical supports, we have served many individuals seeking encouragement, guidance, and connection.
Our care providers – more than 80 strong – continue to offer regulated and non‑regulated services that address mental, emotional, physical, financial, and spiritual needs.
The Food Pantry, launched in fiscal year 2026, has already served 706 individuals, supported by the generosity of donors and the dedication of volunteers who cultivate the Care Centre garden. These outcomes reflect not only program success but the deep trust our community places in us.
As a Board, our responsibility is to ensure that this mission is stewarded with integrity, accountability, and long‑term sustainability. We remain focused on strengthening governance, supporting leadership, and ensuring that the systems, partnerships, and resources needed for effective care are firmly in place.
We are encouraged by the Care Centre’s ongoing work to develop clearer client pathways, expand volunteer engagement, and build collaborative relationships across the community. These efforts align with our vision:
“Bridging the gap between compassionate care providers and the community.”
Looking ahead, we see a future defined not simply by growth in numbers, but by growth in capacity – capacity to care deeply, to respond wisely, and to serve holistically.
The next chapter invites us to expand our impact without losing the heart behind it. This means investing in people, strengthening partnerships, improving systems, and creating sustainable ways for the community to participate in the work of care.
To our staff, volunteers, donors, and partners: Thank you. Your commitment makes this work possible. The story of the Portico Care Centre is still being written, and each of you plays a vital part in shaping what comes next.
Maril Varghese
Board Chair, Portico Care Centre
Our Care Centre continues to support the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social needs of our community through the faithful ministry of more than 80 care providers.
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Care Centre Seminars
Through our educational seminars, 1,465 people have been equipped with practical knowledge, encouragement, and resources to support their health, well-being, relationships, finances, and overall quality of life.
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Care Centre Group Support
Through our support groups, 586 people have found connection, encouragement, and support as they navigate life’s challenges together.
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1:1 Counselling Sessions
Through our counselling services, 142 individuals have received support, encouragement, and professional care. Our counselling services help individuals navigate life’s challenges while supporting their emotional, mental, and overall well-being.
The Food Pantry, launched in FY2026, served 706 individuals between September 2025 and July 2026.
With the support of local donors and skilled gardeners, what began as a small garden is now producing tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, herbs and more each week for the dozens of families we serve through our food pantry.
Our beautiful Care Centre garden, lovingly maintained by one of our women's Growth Groups, has produced fresh vegetables that help provide nutritious food for those served through the Food Pantry.
A combined total of 2,051 people participated in Wellness Nights, wellness/fitness groups and seminars.
Groups
* SoulCare / DivorceCare / GriefShare are in a hybrid space between Pastoral Care and Care Centre but are included in these numbers
Seminars
Career Workshop
Caring for the Care Provider
Financial Health Check
Men’s Health & Wellness
Mental Health
Mind, Body Soul
Parenting / Raising Gen Z
Women’s Health & Wellness
Food Pantry
People Served
September 2025 - July 2026
Portico Care Centre. Past. Present. Future.
Every meaningful journey begins with a simple question: What if we could help?
The Portico Care Centre began with a desire to create a place where people could find more than a referral or a resource. We envisioned a place where people could be seen, heard, supported, and cared for holistically – a place where practical support and emotional encouragement could meet real-life needs.
Where the Journey Began
What started as a vision has grown into a community of people committed to serving others.
From our earliest days, volunteers, Care Providers, leaders, and community partners have stepped forward to share their time, skills, experience, and compassion. Together, they have helped build the foundation of the Care Centre and create pathways for people to access support.
Caring for the Whole Person
Today, the Care Centre continues to grow as a place of connection, support, and belonging.
Our work brings together regulated and non-regulated Care Providers, volunteers, staff, community partners, and donors, all contributing to one shared purpose: caring for people holistically.
Our services span counselling and one-to-one care, educational seminars, support groups, resource navigation, the Food Pantry, Clothed With Love FreeStore, and opportunities for people to connect with practical community resources.
The numbers tell part of the story: 142 clients have received counselling support, 1,465 people have participated in our seminars, and 586 people have been served through our groups. Behind every number is a person, a story, a need, and an opportunity to make a difference.
We are also strengthening the way we serve developing clearer pathways for clients, improving volunteer engagement, building partnerships, and exploring approaches such as social prescribing and asset-based community support.
The Care Centre is no longer simply responding to needs. We are building a network of care around the people we serve.
What Comes Next
The next chapter is about expanding the impact without losing the heart behind it.
We see a future where more people know the Care Centre exists, more Care Providers are equipped to serve, more community organizations work together, and more individuals can access the right support at the right time.
Our vision is not simply to grow our numbers. It is to grow our capacity to care.
That means investing in people, strengthening partnerships, improving systems, developing new programs, and creating sustainable ways for the community to participate whether through volunteering, offering professional services, donating, partnering, or simply sharing the word.
The Story Continues. The Care Centre’s story is still being written. The past reminds us where we came from. The present shows us what is happening now. The future invites all of us to be part of what comes next.
Because ultimately, the impact of the Portico Care Centre is not measured only by programs delivered or numbers served.
It is measured in people who know they are not alone.
Walter Joseph
Executive Director, Portico Care Centre