Thank you to everyone who attended The Annual Victor Walk for survivors of childhood sexual abuse which took place in Toronto on Sat. July 27, 2019. 12pm.  For more information about this event, please contact Marc Beaudry [email protected] Please consider making a donation to help The Gatehouse The Gatehouse, a community based charitable organization that provides much-needed support, resources, and community to survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Survivors of sexual abuse are in desperate need of our support and services and The Gatehouse relies on the generosity of individuals, foundations, and businesses to fund and expand our creative programs including peer support groups, art therapy, wellness workshops, conferences, and the investigation support program. Please consider making an online donation, one time or you can also donate monthly. Your donation helps to transform the lives of those victimized by childhood sexual abuse. Use the form below donate. Thank you for your support.

On Saturday, August 10th, 2019, motorcycle enthusiasts took part in the 8th Annual Blue Tie Ride! With kickstands up at 9:30 AM at Barrie Harley Davidson, 311 Bryne Rd, Barrie, ON, Ride goers enjoyed the wonderful country views and team spirit ending at the scenic Clevelands House Resort on Lake Rosseau, 1040 Juddhaven Rd, Minett, ON P0B 1G0 Blue Tie Ride was founded in 2011 by Raumar Bustamente and Dolly Betancourt who both share a passion for raising funds and awareness for prostate cancer and childhood sexual abuse. Net proceeds go to both Prostate Cancer Canada and The Gatehouse Child Abuse Investigation & Support Site. For more information please visit https://www.bluetieride.ca/ Proceeds Support: From the Bluet Tie Ride Committee: As our 2019 season comes to a close, we are proud to announce that with the help of our generous sponsors, riders and everyone who donated and fundraised, we have raised $11,000 this year, bringing our total since 2011 to $80,000🙏 These net proceeds will be split 50/50 between our two charities, @prostatecancerc and @thegatehousetoronto 🏍 Our mission is to keep raising awareness and much-needed funds for these important causes, and every year we get a little closer to our $100,000 goal 😀 Our 9th annual ride is going to be held on Saturday, August 8th, 2020. We already have registered riders, so save the date! 🏍 Thank you to our supporters, friends, our fabulous MC Wendy Crystal TSC and our BTR TEAM AWESOME! And of course, we could not do this without our generous sponsors: @drywallerslocal675 @carpenters27 @investorsgroup @barriehd @clevelandshouse @unitrimasonry @emergency_motorcycle_services #ontariohogrally #emswhiteknights 🏍 To all those that shared their amazing stories of survival, to those beautiful families that have had their faith tested during hard times and to those that just came to show their support for two great charities, we love you, we thank you and we appreciate you! May those that are struggling, continue to find the strength to fight another day. May you always be reminded of how strong and beautiful you are! You are all warriors and we salute you! 💙 see you at the January motorcycle show Jan 3,4,5 2020💙 #bluetieride2019 #bluetieride2020 Please consider making a donation to help The Gatehouse The Gatehouse, a community based charitable organization that provides much-needed support, resources, and community to survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Survivors of sexual abuse are in desperate need of our support and services and The Gatehouse relies on the generosity of individuals, foundations, and businesses to fund and expand our creative programs including peer support groups, art therapy, wellness workshops, conferences, and the investigation support program. Please consider making an online donation, one time or you can also donate monthly. Your donation helps to transform the lives of those victimized by childhood sexual abuse. Use the form below donate. Thank you for your support.

On Saturday, June 22, 2019, The Gatehouse staff, volunteers and community members celebrated our 21st Anniversary.  The event raised $643.82 after expenses for our life-saving programs! At the event, we heard 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 has directly impacted them. We were also able to share the day with some of the original members from 1998. Thank you John, Joni, Al, Eva and Al Beaty. We celebrated the life of our late Board Chair, Bruce McKay, who touched the lives of so many at The Gatehouse, a true friend, advocate and mentor.Thank you to all volunteers, staff and supporters of the event. Thank you to the 22 Division Rover Team for their help and support of the event. Thank you to Emily Hill, our wonderful Administrative Assistant and event co-leader, our student team including Muzam Saleem, Courtney Roach, Farieza Hussain, James Bailey, Kaydia Peterkin, Maria Camila Ruiz Tacha , Mindy Monterrosa, and Tiffany Klodner. Special thank you to Lloyd and Diane Devoe for their wonderful support. Our event volunteers Ana Paula, Zada and David. Thank you to our cooks, Stewart Thompson and Jay Smith. Thank you to our Yoga guru Nicola! Thank you to our sponsors Pavao Meats and Deli, Metro at Cloverdale Mall, & Loblaws at East Mall, Etobicoke. Thank you MP James Maloney for attending the event. Thank you to Edison Yao Unicorn Studios Photography. We could not have done it without your support! Thank you to our staff Maria, Paula, Brad, Stephanie, Emily, and Diane. Please consider making a donation to help The Gatehouse The Gatehouse, a community based charitable organization that provides much-needed support, resources, and community to survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Survivors of sexual abuse are in desperate need of our support and services and The Gatehouse relies on the generosity of individuals, foundations, and businesses to fund and expand our creative programs including peer support groups, art therapy, wellness workshops, conferences, and the investigation support program. Please consider making an online donation, one time or you can also donate monthly. Your donation helps to transform the lives of those victimized by childhood sexual abuse. Use the form below donate. Thank you for your support.  

Good day everyone, The Gatehouse has started major renovations to accessibility ramps and foundation repairs as of April 8th, 2019. All programs are running as planned until further notice.  The accessibility ramp has been removed until further notice. If you have any questions, please contact Maria Barcelos, Executive Director at [email protected] or 416-255-5900 x225

 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 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!    

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.  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!        

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.   

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.