January 17, 2019 It is with great sadness that this post is released. The Gatehouse former Chair of the Board, Bruce McKay passed away January 17, 2019. Our sincerest condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues. Bruce was a dear friend, and advocate. We are all grateful and honoured to have known Bruce in this lifetime. Bruce was a light in the lives of many; bringing support, kindness, happiness, and comfort to many people suffering from past trauma. Bruce was a licensed private investigator who owned and operated a private investigation firm specializing in security consultations and issues of cross border transportation cargo theft investigation and prevention. Bruce had been a facilitator at The Gatehouse since 2010, participating in phase 1 and the phase 2 support groups for men and women. Since 2007, he had been facilitating male participant groups with “A Time for Men” which is an organization closely connected with the Canadian Centre for Abuse Awareness. He was an advocate, public speaker, trainer and support person for men and women who have been traumatized by childhood sexual abuse. He actively participated in the training of new Ontario Provincial Police sexual assault investigators, providing insight on what people need from a victim’s perspective. He appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show, the focus of which was to promote public awareness, support survivors in initiating the first steps of healing, and provide information. McKay, Robert “Bruce” December 5, 1966 – January 17, 2019 after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Bruce is survived by his Husband Ed Gallant, his parents Bob and Shirley McKay, siblings Susan (Peter) Harmsen, and Brad, and long-time best friend Venessa Kerman, along with nieces and nephews John, Courtney, Danielle, Taylor, Erin, Ryan and Alex, and great niece Mackenzie. Bruce lived his life with great energy and enthusiasm. He was generous, loyal and hardworking and exceptionally resilient. And a bit of a jokester. He faced evil and adversity with vigor and not only disabled dangerous entities but generously donated his time leading survivor groups. His volunteerism in helping others goes above and beyond. Recipient of the Queens Jubilee Medal and an OPP Commissioners award, Bruce’s commitment to wellness has not only helped, but saved lives. A man with strong family values who was incredibly loyal to his friends. Gratitude and thanks to all the Doctors and nurses and staff at Princess Margaret Hospital Palliative care and Kensington Hospice for incredible kindness and compassion to Bruce and our family. He is truly missed by all of us here at The Gatehouse. Celebration of Life Video -The Gatehouse Staff
Transforming Trauma – From Isolation to Connection
Transforming Trauma – From Isolation to Connection Child sexual abuse is far more prevalent than most people realize and has devastating life-long impacts on the lives of survivors, and their families. The above video is a visual narrative of the transformative change following sexual trauma. Healing is not a linear process. If you are a survivor, You are not alone. It was not your fault. Feel free to share, and retweet this video. Thank you to our wonderful CYC student Kelsey Leroux, CYCP, Humber College School of Social & Community Services for putting this together!
Spencer’s Story
1 in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys will be sexually abused before the age of 18. This is Spencer’s Story The Gatehouse is a safe place where survivors can share their story, find support and community. Through peer support, survivors experience safety for self and others in a group process for storytelling to occur and learn effective coping and grounding techniques to address stress, anxiety, nightmares, depression and isolation that occur because of childhood sexual abuse. The Gatehouse is a unique community based charitable organization that provides supports, resources and advocacy on behalf of those impacted by childhood sexual abuse. It is the only community-based setting that provides services for children, youth and adults in one location. The Gatehouse offers adult peer support group programs. The Gatehouse is also a child friendly location where investigating police officers and child welfare personnel can interview children, youth and their families, during alleged child abuse investigations. The Gatehouse is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week for investigations. It has been designated by police services as a best practice site for conducting investigations related to childhood sexual abuse. The Gatehouse started its operations on June 20, 1998 and since then the Gatehouse has helped thousands including children, youth and adults who have experienced childhood sexual abuse. In 2018, The Gatehouse was awarded the Attorney General’s Victim Services Awards of Distinction, which recognizes the exceptional achievements of dedicated professionals and volunteers in the field of victim services, as well as the important work of individual victims. Thank you to all those who helped make this video possible including: – Ryan Haacke (Film student, Cameraman/Director/Editor) – Spencer Williams, sharing his story – Asmaa Er-Rouhi (sound specialist) – Ryan Paramanantham – Cameron Donaghey – Sid Ally (in the film/group scene) – Hannah Barill (in the film) – Paola Greco (in the film/group scene) – Stephanie Astley (in the film/group scene) – Tyler Bolzan ( in the film/group scene ) – Chanel Saggu (in the film/group scene) – Danielle Hewitt – Giulia Malvestuto – Connor Charles – Jaclyn Bartels – Elise Laberge – Nelia Abdullah
Happy 20th Anniversary to The Gatehouse!
Happy 20th #Anniversary to The Gatehouse. On Saturday, June 23, we hosted a BBQ to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of The Gatehouse! 55 people joined in on the festivities, enjoying some wonderful BBQ and cake! Powerful stories of how community collaboration, support, and effort brought to light the vision of Arthur Lockhart, Gatehouse founder. Members of the community shared their voice on how The Gatehouse impacted them and volunteers from the original re-construction in 1998 also shared the day with us! Thank you Arthur Lockhart and over 400 volunteers who made The Gatehouse possible! Since June 20th, 1998, The Gatehouse has been a safe palce for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to heal and reclaim their voices. Thank you to all our staff, Stephanie Alves, Paula Cordeiro, Paul Dunn, Brad Hutchinson and Maria Barcelos! Thank you to our amazing #volunteers Stewart Thompson, Jay Smith and Board of Directors Co-Chair Rita Grenci on the grill! Thank you to our wonderful placement students Ashley Bowe, Caitlin McIntyre, Frial Saleem, Harpreet Kaur, Jenni Theriault, Katherine Lillico, Kelsey Leroux, Kesla Forsythe, Marta Antoszko, Nadia Konon, Reileigh Zohren & Stephen Oliver who have dedicated their energy and commitment to The Gatehouse. #toronto. Thank you to @bluetieride (www.bluetieride.ca) for spending the day with us and for your #support #metoocsa #awareness#community #stopcsa #mentalhealth #transformingtrauma An equally awesome thank you to the 22 Division Rover team and PC Burgess who helped to make this a wonderful event! Thank you to our sponsors: Pavao Meats & Deli, Longos, San Remo Bakery & Cafe, Sorelle & Co., Tim Hortons, Weston Bakeries, Full Circle Art Therapy Centre, Blue Tie Ride, Centre for Mental Health Transformation, Neeti Jain, Photography, Toronto Police 22 Division Rover Team and PC Burgess!
2018 Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade
Saturday, December 1, 2018 – 2018 Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade Thank you to the wonderful Denise, Sherry, parents, and children of 20th Street School for helping to bring Holiday Spirit to the Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade as part of The Gatehouse Elf Troupe. Thank you to our staff and volunteers Stephanie Alves, Brad Hutchinson, Paula Cordeiro, Zada, Nicola Coles, Stewart Thompson, Kelsey, Leroux, Sarah Barcelos, Hayden Power, and Sofia Hatoutzidis. Over 25 volunteers walked, waved and shared holiday cheer! Thank you to our banner holders this year Kelsey Leroux and Sofia Hatoutzidis! The parade attracts approximately 60,000 spectators as it travels along Lake Shore Blvd. W. from Royal York to 36th St. The parade starts at 10 a.m. at Dwight Ave. (just west of Royal York) and Lake Shore Blvd. W. and takes about an hour to complete the route at 33rd Street.
On Sun. Oct. 21 Support our #STWM Gatehouse Team!
Thank you to everyone who joined, cheered, donated and supported The Gatehouse team at the October 21st Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon! Donate online to our STWM Gatehouse Team here! Thank you to Blair & Ian, my co-captains this year. Thank you to our staff and volunteers, Stephanie, Paula, Zada, Paul, Cristina, Kelsey, Jeremiah, Nadia, Adam, Amy, Arthur, and all our team members and supporters. Special thank you also to Jean-Paul Bedard and all the members of #JPSTEAM for your amazing support, dedication, and commitment to raising awareness about the devastating impact of childhood sexual abuse, the work of The Gatehouse and giving a voice back to survivors. In 2017, Jean-Paul ran the course of the #STWM Marathon 6 times! You can follow Jean-Paul’s blog at Breathe Through This and #JPSTEAM. JPSTEAM- “JP’s Team” is a community of athletes and altruists working together to raise funds and awareness for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Thank you for your support.
3rd Annual Healing the Voice Within Fundraiser – Oct. 4, 2018
Healing the Voice Within Fundraiser in Support of The Gatehouse October 4th, 7pm-10pm at the Liberty Grand The Oct. 4th Healing Voice Within event helped to raise just over $20,400 that will be directly used to support life-saving programs for survivors of childhood sexual abuse and much-needed awareness of the profoundly devastating impact this has on the lives of victims. Healing the Voice Within featured powerful art images generously donated by local artists and participants in our programs. Healing through art therapy is just one of the many valuable programs offered at The Gatehouse in partnership with Full Circle Art Therapy Centre, that teaches positive coping techniques to address the anxiety, nightmares, isolation and, depression resulting from childhood sexual abuse. Thank you to our talented live artists Ted Nisker www.tedniskerart.com and Natia Lemay, https://www.natialemayart.com for their contribution to the event. We were honored to have the Honorable Peter MacKay, Minister Tibollo, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services of Ontario, RCMP Chief Superintendent Michael LeSage, Inspector Paul Pogue, Peel Police speak about the importance of community partnerships and awareness of the impact of sexual abuse and trauma. We are grateful to the wonderful Wendy Crystal, Today’s Shopping Choice, MC, for sharing her courage and strength. Thank you to the Blue Tie Ride www.bluetieride.ca team! We are profoundly grateful to Madame Sophie Grégoire Trudeau who shared a greeting video adding her voice to the event. On behalf of The Gatehouse, thank you Madame Grégoire Trudeau for your powerful words of support and encouragement. No one should suffer in silence. Video available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3G8pANrEsU The Gatehouse is a unique, community-based organization helping those traumatized by childhood sexual abuse. The Gatehouse provides placement to post-secondary students of social work, community, and justice programs; and hosts an annual international conference to build a global network of organizations providing healing and empowerment to those traumatized by childhood sexual abuse within a transformational framework. We are very much looking forward to our 4th Annual Healing the Voice Within in 2019 and hope we can count on your support of next years’ event. Details to follow soon. Thank you to our media sponsors included the National Post, Z103.5FM/Jewel 88.5. The event was co-coordinated by MCPR Communications Group, Mr. Lorne Simon and DAMA Event Management Inc., Ms. Lia Antonova. Thank you to our wonderful team of staff, volunteers and to the amazing 22nd Division Rover Crew, The Toronto Police Service, the wonderful Liberty Grand Staff, Kim, and team! Thank you to all sponsors of the event including A Celebrity Limousine, Sketchworks by Jay Smith, Diamond Law, Designer Consigners, Harry James Group, Ryerson University, Stefan Horodeckyj & Family, Knights of Columbus, Marsh Canada Limited, Chubb, David Butt, Lawyer, Humber College School of Social and Community Services, Toyota on the Park, LiUNA!, LiUNA!, Local 183 and Local 27,Carpenters Union. Thank you to Etobicoke School of the Arts for allowing us to use their easels for artwork display. Some of the feedback from attendees included: “The Healing the Voice Event was an incredible, inspiring and moving experience” “As a first-time guest, It was a pleasure to be included in the event and appreciative of the work from everyone involved. It was also a pleasure to meet so many like-minded people”. “Overall, it was a great event with a good community vibe. I loved it!” “Congratulations to the planning committee. It was a beautiful event!” We are deeply grateful for your generous contribution to the Gatehouse and invite you to visit our facility and our website www.thegatehouse.org for more information about our services. With sincere thanks, Maria Barcelos, Executive Director Thank you to our sponsors:
The Gatehouse Now Has a Library!
The Gatehouse now has a library! There is now a small library available in The Gatehouse, filled with books that may be useful for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Books can be borrowed from the library by Gatehouse members, participants, and volunteers. Thank you to our Humber College School of Social and Community Services placement student Katherine Lillico who worked tirelessly to make this possible! Check out our new reading list available on The Gatehouse website, listed under the resources menu tab. This reading list is based on the topics of the Adult Support Phase One – 15-week program and provides recommended books for adult survivors (18+). There are also sections that recommend books intended for parents to use with their children, and for those who are a supporter of a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. Every book in the library was graciously donated by the author or publisher of the books or a volunteer at The Gatehouse. Thank you to all of our sponsors that made this library possible: Deb Maybury Brené Brown Educate 2 Empower Publishers New Harbinger Publications Barbara and Charles Whitfield Sonia Ricotti Lucia Capacchione Sheri Van Dijk Eckhart Tolle Erin Moulton Katherine Lillico, HBSc, ADMH PGCert. “My name is Katherine and I am a post-graduate student in addictions and mental health. I created the library project and reading list as a student project for Humber that I believed would benefit The Gatehouse. I wanted to create a project that would supplement the support that participants are receiving in The Gatehouse’s peer-support groups. Each week, our phase 1 groups cover a new topic, and when it is over I wanted to provide participants with access to further resources for additional support. Maybe you found the week difficult and wanted to do some personal work on the topic, or maybe you loved the topic and just wanted to learn more. Whatever the reason, I believe books can be excellent tools in helping individuals learn and find support. I wanted the resources that we often recommend to be easily accessible to participants.”
8th Annual Transforming Trauma into Triumph Conference – Friday June 1, 2018
Thank you to all who joined us on Friday, June 1st for the 8th Annual Transforming Trauma into Triumph Conference. 135 attendees shared the day with us. We are grateful to the wonderful line-up of presenters for generously donating their time, energy and effort to this event. Thank you to the Toronto Police Service for their generosity, support, and commitment to community partnerships. Thank you to the wonderful Landi Haderaj, Coordinator, Training, Accreditations & Records at the Toronto Police College, the Toronto Police 22nd Division Rover team and catering services provided by Compass group under the direction of Ms. Shyamali Fernando, Food Service Manager. Photography by Edison Yao, Unicorn Studios, unicornstudios2015@gmail.com Thank you to all our, Staff, Volunteers, Board Members, and community supporters. The full event report: Conference Summary Report – Transforming Trauma into Triumph Conference Guest Speakers Deputy Chief Shawna Coxon, Toronto Police Service Sandra Corelli, Key Note Speaker “Unlocking Empathy” Brad Hutchinson, Lead Trainer/ASIST, The Gatehouse, Step into the Creative Ahmeda Mansaray-Richardson, Founder, Voices, Global Collective Alice Olsen, M.S.W., R.S.W., The George Hull Centre Stewart Thompson, Host Personal Transformation Radio Deb Maybury, Martial Artist/Author/Film Maker/Gatehouse Facilitator Carolyn & Jay Smith, Partners Support, @The Gatehouse Andrea Robin Skinner, Family & Healing Spencer Henry Williams, Advocate, Writer, Filmmaker Pat Adams, From Estrangement to Reconciliation Ranjini Chakravorty, Volunteer Facilitator, The Gatehouse John Helston, The Gatehouse Greg Andrews, Volunteer Facilitator, The Gatehouse Lacey Ford & Pearl Lee, Full Circle- Art Therapy Centre – Will be running an open space discussion on art therapy and healing This event was funded by the Victims Fund, a grants and contributions program administered by the Department of Justice Canada. Funds are available to provinces, territories and non-governmental organizations for programs and services that give victims and survivors of crime a more effective voice in the criminal justice system. For more information about the Victims Fund, please visit: http://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/cj-jp/victims-victimes/ For more information on Victims and Survivors of Crime Week, visit: www.victimsweek.gc.ca.
The Gatehouse – Recipient of the Attorney General’s Victim Services Awards of Distinction – April 12
For Immediate Release Toronto, April 12, 2018 The Attorney General’s Victim Services Awards of Distinction recognize the exceptional achievements of dedicated professionals and volunteers in the field of victim services, as well as the important work of individual victims. The awards also encourage the sharing of best practices among victim services professionals and volunteers across the province. We are proud to announce The Gatehouse is one of the recipients of the 2018 Attorney General’s Victim Services Awards of Distinction. The Gatehouse provides a safe and inviting space for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse for over 20 years. It’s here that people can find support, share their stories and foster healing and resiliency. Over 100 volunteers work to deliver lifesaving peer support programs, helping over 20,000 people over the last two decades. Police and child welfare organizations often use the space to conduct child abuse interviews with children, youth and their families. The Gatehouse programs offer a supportive, non-judgmental atmosphere where people can find healthy ways to address their trauma. For more information about Attorney General’s Victim Services Awards of Distinction visit https://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/ovss/awards.php Maria Barcelos, 416-255-5900 x 225 mbarcelos@thegatehouse.org