Written by: Maria Barcelos, MA, RP, Executive Director
Every year, International Women’s Day invites us to pause and recognize the courage, leadership, and compassion of women across the world. At The Gatehouse, this day carries a particularly powerful meaning. It is a moment to honour the women who show up every day, often quietly, often without recognition, to help create a space where survivors of childhood sexual abuse can heal, reconnect, and reclaim their voices.
The Gatehouse would not exist as it does today without the dedication of extraordinary women. I would like to take this opportunity to highlight the amazing women on our staff team including Maria Barcelos, Paula Cordeiro, Jasmine Lem, Karen MacKeigan and Erin Alexandra and our Board of Directors, Lisa Crooker, Linda O’Brien, Carol Smith, Svetlana Sorokina, Hilary Mancia and Patricia Buffone. Previous Board members, Sabra Desai, Nilmini Perera, Gigi Cantalupo and Jeanette Daly.
From peer support facilitators who hold space with empathy and courage, to staff members who guide programs with professionalism and heart, to volunteers, placement students and community partners who give their time and energy so generously, women are at the center of the life-affirming work that happens here every day.
Many of these women bring lived experience to their roles. They transform their own healing journeys into powerful acts of service, helping others feel seen, heard, and validated. In peer support circles, they model what resilience looks like in real time: listening without judgment, encouraging one another, and reminding survivors that they are not alone.
This kind of leadership is profound. It is leadership rooted not in titles, but in compassion, courage, and connection.
International Women’s Day is also a reminder that healing is collective work. Women at The Gatehouse support one another as colleagues, mentors, facilitators, and friends. They collaborate to create programs, lead workshops, facilitate groups, organize events, and advocate for awareness around the prevention of childhood sexual abuse.
Their contributions ripple far beyond the walls of The Gatehouse.
Every conversation held with care, every group facilitated with integrity, and every survivor who finds the courage to share their story strengthens our community. These moments of connection are made possible by women who believe deeply in the power of healing together.
Today, we celebrate all the women of The Gatehouse, past and present, who continue to nurture a community built on empathy, dignity, and hope.
We celebrate the women who speak up.
We celebrate the women who listen.
We celebrate the women who hold space for others while continuing their own healing journeys.
And we celebrate the next generation of women leaders who are stepping forward to ensure that survivors always have a place where they belong.
To every woman who contributes to this work: thank you. Your courage, wisdom, and generosity make The Gatehouse the powerful community it is today.
Together, we continue building a world where survivors are believed, supported, and empowered.
Happy International Women’s Day.
Learn more about the work of The Gatehouse and how you can support survivors at thegatehouse.org.
Support, Housing & Community Services
- Sistering – A Woman’s Place: A 24/7 drop-in center in Toronto for at-risk, socially isolated women and trans people.
- North York Women’s Centre (NYWC): Provides a safe space, resources, and support for women to connect, heal from violence, and build skills.
- Women’s Habitat: Offers a secure shelter and outreach services for women and their children.
- Native Women’s Resource Centre of Toronto (NWRCT): Provides a safe, welcoming environment for Indigenous women and their children.
- Street Haven at the Crossroads: Offers emergency shelter and personalized employment support for women.
- Anduhyaun Inc.: Operates a shelter and provides services for Indigenous women.
- The Neighbourhood Group (Women’s Program): A downtown east program for newcomer women to gain support and build community.