The Gatehouse is seeking two passionate and skilled leaders to join our Board of Directors and help guide the next chapter of our organization. As a trauma-informed charity supporting survivors of childhood sexual abuse, we are entering an exciting period of growth, innovation, and expanded community impact. We are looking for individuals who are committed to governance excellence and strengthening community-based healing initiatives. Board service at The Gatehouse is meaningful work. It involves stewardship, thoughtful leadership, and ensuring that survivors continue to have access to safe, supportive spaces for healing. We Are Seeking Individuals With Experience In Experience in the nonprofit sector is an asset, particularly within trauma-informed or survivor-centered organizations. Commitment Board members are expected to engage in strategic planning, fiduciary oversight, advocacy, and ambassadorial roles within the community. Who Should Apply? We welcome professionals, community leaders, and individuals who are passionate about: We value diverse lived experiences and strongly encourage applicants from equity-deserving communities. How to Apply Please submit a brief expression of interest to our Executive Director, Maria Barcelos. Deadline to apply: March 16, 2026
Man Enough to Heal Wednesday, March 11
Courage, Connection and Healing On Wednesday, March 11, from 7–9 PM, The Gatehouse will host Man Enough to Heal, a panel discussion at Humber College Lakeshore Campus. This event brings together male-identifying survivors of childhood sexual abuse to share lived experience, insight, and perspective on healing and recovery. Survivors of all gender identities, as well as allies and supporters, are welcome to attend. Man Enough to Heal creates a structured, supportive space where men’s voices are centred, stigma is challenged, and difficult conversations can happen safely and respectfully. About the Panel The Man Enough to Heal panel features men speaking honestly about the long-term impact of childhood sexual abuse, the challenges of healing, and what recovery has looked like across different stages of life. The discussion is co-moderated by Stewart Thompson and Mike Allan, both peer facilitators with The Gatehouse, and is guided by shared agreements that prioritize safety, choice, and respect. This is not group therapy, and no audience participation is required. Attendees are welcome to listen, reflect, and engage at their own pace. Why This Conversation Matters Childhood sexual abuse remains deeply stigmatized, particularly when survivors are men. Many male survivors grow up without language for their experiences, or without permission to express how trauma has shaped their lives. Man Enough to Heal exists to challenge that silence. The panel aims to: By hearing men speak openly and honestly, participants gain a deeper understanding of how trauma affects men across the lifespan. Intended Outcomes While each attendee’s experience will be unique, the event is designed to support the following outcomes: Who Should Attend Man Enough to Heal is open to: You do not need prior experience with The Gatehouse to attend. All are welcome. Event Details Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PMCheck in at 6:30PMLocation: Humber College, Lakeshore Campus, Building and Room to be confirmed via separate email to all registrants Cost: $20 per person. All proceeds support The Gatehouse. Get your ticket(s) today!👉 Purchase your ticket here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/man-enough-to-heal-event-march-11–2026 Space is limited! Tickets are limited to 65 max.
Man Enough to Heal: Men Share Their Healing Journeys and Hope
Journeys of Healing and Hope When we think about childhood sexual abuse (CSA), we often fall into a rigid binary of who causes harm and who is harmed. This limited view deepens the pain that men, trans, and non-binary individuals have already experienced. The truth is: men can be survivors too. “According to the 2014 GSS [General Social Survey], in that year, the majority (83%) of sexual assaults were not reported to police. Only five percent of sexual assaults were reported. In three studies completed by Justice Canada with survivors of sexual assault, over two-thirds of those in the male sample (68%) (2019, Government of Canada)” Join us for a powerful all-male panel discussion on male survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). This event will shed light on the experiences of male survivors and challenge the myths that surround them. Held at Creeds Coffee in Toronto, the evening will offer space for storytelling, connection, and community. Get Your Tickets Register today for November 5, 2025, Man Enough to Heal: Men Share Their Journeys of Healing and Hope Time: 6:00pm to 8:30pmLocation: Creeds Coffee Bar 450 Dupont Street, Toronto, ON M5R 3P3Cost: $20 per ticket All proceeds raised support The Gatehouse charity. Get tickets here To uplift and support male survivors purchase your tickets at: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/man-enough-to-heal-men-share-their-journeys-of-healing-and-hope Are you a male CSA survivor? A student, educator, or professional in the healing field? A community member passionate about supporting survivors? You are warmly invited to attend. Man Enough to Heal is not a lecture. It’s an evening of truth-telling, solidarity, and hope. A night to break the silence and remind survivors everywhere: you are not alone. Other Male Survivor Supports If you or anyone you know might be looking for support, please reach out to The Gatehouse for judgment-free, caring, client-centered support with our phase 1 and 2 peer support programs which you can learn more about here: https://thegatehouse.org/programs-and-services/peer-support/phase-1 You can also call the male survivors of abuse crisis line, which is 24/7 and multilingual: 1-866-887-0015, or check out A Time for Men sexual abuse survivors group: https://bloorwestpsychotherapy.ca/a-time-for-men-groups
Restorative and Transformational Justice Practices After Sexual Harm
Why Is This Event Important? Despite the widespread impact of sexual violence, the current system is failing survivors. With fewer than 6% of survivors reporting due to fear of re-traumatization, it is crucial to explore justice models that genuinely support healing and transformation. This is why we are encouraging one and all to Join The Gatehouse and Justice4Survivors on Thursday, September 25, 2025 Registration/Check in: 8:30 am Event time is 9:00 am to 3:30 p.m. Venue is YWCA, room: Nancy’s Auditorium Address: 87 Elm St Toronto, ON M5G 0A8, This important gathering will bring together survivors, restorative and transformative justice practitioners, and legal experts to explore alternatives to the traditional justice system—ones that prioritize healing, accountability, and meaningful change. Through panel discussions, open dialogues, and collective strategizing, we aim to reshape justice to be survivor-centered and trauma-informed. Get Your Tickets Get your tickets today! We would love to hear your voice in shaping solutions that are just and healing for everyone. Special rate for post-secondary students. Use the discount code STUDENTRJ at checkout. https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/survivors-voices-restorative-and-transformative-justice-after-sexual-harm If you are experiencing financial barriers and want to attend, please contact Maria – mbarcelos@thegatehouse.org or admin@survivors4justicereform.com Event Agenda 8:30 am : Registration 9:00 am – 9:30 am : Opening & Grounding 9:30 am – 10:45 am: Panel 1: Survivors Speak: Transformative and Restorative Justice for Sexual Harm ft. Survivors 4 Justice Reform Chapter Members Emily Quint and Founder Marlee Liss and another Survivor 11:00 am – 12:15 pm: Panel 2: Policy Experts Speak: Restorative and Transformative Justice for Gender-Based Violence ft. Hoori Hamboyan (Federal Ombudsman), Arthur Lockhart (The Gatehouse), Rosel Kim (LEAF) 12: 15 pm – 1:15 pm: Lunch – provided 1:15 pm – 2:45 pm: Open Space facilitated by The Gatehouse – attendees supported in exploring topics discussed in working groups, end goal of creating a collective policy brief 2:45 pm – 3:30 pm: Closing and grounding Thank you to our Champions of Justice sponsors, Harmony Homestay & Gluckstein Lawyers Resources Handout for this event Continue To Follow The Gatehouse To keep up to date on what we’re doing and our life-changing collaborations, you can follow us on Instagram @thegatehousetoronto and @survivors4justicereform, as well as become a member of The Survivors Council of Canada by heading to https://survivorscouncil.ca For more information about The Gatehouse programs and services, visit thegatehouse.org
Man Enough to Heal: Men Share Their Healing Journeys and Hope
Journeys of Healing and Hope When we think about childhood sexual abuse (CSA), we often fall into a rigid binary of who causes harm and who is harmed. This limited view deepens the pain that men, trans, and non-binary individuals have already experienced. The truth is: men can be survivors too. “According to the 2014 GSS [General Social Survey], in that year, the majority (83%) of sexual assaults were not reported to police. Only five percent of sexual assaults were reported. In three studies completed by Justice Canada with survivors of sexual assault, over two-thirds of those in the male sample (68%) (2019, Government of Canada)” Join us for a powerful all-male panel discussion on male survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). This event will shed light on the experiences of male survivors and challenge the myths that surround them. Held in an intimate café setting, the evening will offer space for storytelling, connection, and community. Get Your Tickets Register today for November 5, 2025, Man Enough to Heal: Men Share Their Journeys of Healing and Hope Location: Creeds Coffee Bar 450 Dupont Street, Toronto, ON M5R 3P3 Cost: $20 per ticket To uplift and support male survivors purchase your tickets at: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/man-enough-to-heal-men-share-their-journeys-of-healing-and-hope Are you a male CSA survivor? A student, educator, or professional in the healing field? A community member passionate about supporting survivors? You are warmly invited to attend. Man Enough to Heal is not a lecture. It’s an evening of truth-telling, solidarity, and hope. A night to break the silence and remind survivors everywhere: you are not alone. Other Male Survivor Supports If you or anyone you know might be looking for support, please reach out to The Gatehouse for judgment-free, caring, client-centered support with our phase 1 and 2 peer support programs which you can learn more about here: https://thegatehouse.org/programs-and-services/peer-support/phase-1 You can also call the male survivors of abuse crisis line, which is 24/7 and multilingual: 1-866-887-0015, or check out A Time for Men sexual abuse survivors group: https://bloorwestpsychotherapy.ca/a-time-for-men-groups
Truth and Reconciliation Day with The Gatehouse: Why You Should Attend
Who’s Land is This? The Gatehouse resides on the traditional land of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee, and is part of Treaty 13 territory. The Purpose of Hosting Truth and Reconciliation Day At The Gatehouse, we create space every day to confront an issue that is painful, complex, and left silently in the shadows: Childhood Sexual Abuse. On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, we extend that commitment by facing another hard truth: the legacy and ongoing impacts of Canadian colonialism. Led by Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, we will come together and honour the truths of residential schools, the loss of Indigenous languages, culture, and identity—and we recognize the continued strength and resilience of Indigenous communities.This day is about remembrance, reflection, and respect. It’s an invitation to listen, learn, and be part of the journey toward reconciliation. Why Should I Attend? If you feel anxious or unsure about whether to attend, you’re not alone, and you’re still warmly encouraged to join us from 1pm to 3pm at The Gatehouse. We strive to be a safer space where dialogue is welcomed, and making mistakes is part of learning. This event is a meaningful opportunity to deepen your understanding of Canada’s history and its lasting impacts on Indigenous communities. Held in our beautiful and revitalizing Healing Garden, the gathering supports Indigenous-led education and advocacy, strengthens community, and fosters intercultural understanding. You’ll have the honour of respectfully witnessing or participating in Indigenous ceremony: something best experienced in guided and intentional spaces like this. It’s a chance to listen, reflect, and engage with the lived experiences of Indigenous Peoples alongside others who are committed to learning and healing. Whether you’re a teacher bringing students, a family wanting to learn together, or someone looking to grow in your allyship, this event is for you. Everyone is welcome. By attending, you will be supporting both The Gatehouse and its mission to create spaces of compassion, education, and transformation, as well as guest speaker and educator, Kristi White, a proud Haudenosaunee woman, and author of Indigenous children’s books The Adventures of Jay & Gizmo. We hope you’ll be part of this meaningful day. You can register for the FREE event here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/annual-truth-and-reconciliation-in-the-healing-garden Other Resources Below you can find a wide range of resources to help supplement your knowledge about Indigenous People’s. https://principedejoyce.com/en/index https://fncaringsociety.com/jordans-principle
Congratulations to the inspiring Executive Director of The Gatehouse – Maria Barcelos
We are thrilled to share that Maria Barcelos, Executive Director of The Gatehouse, has been named a 2025 inductee into the Portuguese Canadian Walk of Fame Award. This well-deserved honour recognizes Maria’s extraordinary dedication to supporting survivors of childhood sexual abuse and her unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy. Through her leadership at The Gatehouse, Maria has helped transform countless lives and has become a beacon of healing, hope, and resilience in our community and beyond. Maria will be honoured alongside other outstanding leaders at the induction ceremony on Saturday, May 31st, 2025, at Camões Square, 722 College Street, Toronto, beginning at 4:00 PM. The event is open to the public — we hope you’ll join in celebrating this remarkable achievement. Congratulations, Maria — your vision, compassion, and advocacy continue to inspire us all. Learn more about this award at https://portuguesecanadianwalkoffame.com/ Read the announcement in Bom Dia Europa With gratitude and pride,The Gatehouse Team
Healing Through Creativity: Art, Writing & Music for CSA Survivors
For survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA), the path to healing is both deeply personal and courageous. Creative expression—through art, writing, and music—can offer a vital, non-verbal language for processing trauma, reclaiming power, and finding moments of solace. While the journey is unique for everyone, engaging in creative practices can provide a safe space to explore and articulate feelings that are often too complex for words alone. Art as a Tool for Emotional Processing Art provides a medium where emotions too deep for conversation can be visually expressed. For many CSA survivors, painting, drawing, or sculpting can transform internal pain into tangible forms that capture both sorrow and strength. This creative process helps externalize emotions, enabling survivors to gradually face and understand their experiences in a controlled, personal space. Sometimes, the hardest feelings can’t be easily put into words. Visual art allows these feelings to be communicated in a way that feels safe and personal. Furthermore, engaging with art often induces a meditative state. This mindful process can create moments of calm and reflection, helping to alleviate the overwhelming intensity of trauma. Writing to Reframe and Reclaim Your Story Writing offers a structured way to explore and reframe personal experiences. Through journaling, poetry, or storytelling, survivors can give voice to their feelings and reshape their narratives. This act of writing not only serves as a cathartic release but also empowers survivors to see themselves beyond their trauma. Writing allows for the honest exploration of thoughts and memories in a private space, offering a release valve for pent-up emotions. When survivors use language to express their experience survivors can gradually reframe their past, transforming pain into a story of resilience and strength. If a survivor ever feels like sharing their personal writing, whether in a support group or creative workshop, this act can foster a sense of belonging and remind survivors that they are not alone in their journey. Music’s Unique Role in Emotional Healing Music possesses a unique power to soothe the mind and heart. For CSA survivors, both listening to and creating music can be profoundly therapeutic. Music’s ability to evoke emotions and memories makes it a potent tool for processing trauma and reclaiming emotional balance. A melody or rhythm can reflect and modulate the inner emotional landscape, offering moments of comfort and connection. Whether it’s learning an instrument, singing, or composing, actively making music can be an empowering act, one that reclaims control over one’s narrative. Participating in musical groups or community choirs creates opportunities for shared experiences, reinforcing the message that healing is not a solitary journey. The journey to healing for CSA survivors is not linear. Creative expression is not about producing perfect art, flawless prose, or harmonious music, it’s about the courage to explore one’s inner world and find personal meaning in the process. Every brushstroke, every written word, and every note played is a step toward reclaiming your narrative and reinforcing your strength. Working in a creative medium teaches us the importance of being gentle with ourselves. Just as learning the medium takes time, so too does healing. Every small step is a victory. Creativity as a Step Toward Resilience For CSA survivors, creative expression offers a pathway to healing that honors the complexity of personal trauma while opening doors to resilience and renewal. All mediums of art provide control over how survivors engage with their own experiences, how they choose to share their story. Through art, writing, and music, survivors can find a voice beyond the silence of their past—a voice that speaks of hope, strength, and the transformative power of creativity. Embrace your creative journey as a step toward healing and remember that every expression of your inner self is a celebration of your strength and survival. Artistic endeavour is a declaration that your story matters and that you have the power to shape your present and your future. For more information about our Expressive Arts Therapy Group Programs visit https://thegatehouse.org/programs-and-services/supplemental/expressive-arts-therapy
The Role of Community in Recovery
As survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA), recovery is a deeply personal journey, but one of the most powerful forces that can help someone on that journey is the support of a community. The sense of belonging and the shared experiences within a community can provide the strength, hope, and encouragement needed to push through difficult moments. The Need for Connection Humans are inherently social creatures. We thrive in environments where we feel accepted, valued, and understood. This need for connection is no less important during healing. In fact, for many, it’s the foundation on which true healing is built. When someone is struggling with the symptoms of trauma as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) isolation often creeps in. The shame, guilt, and fear that come with these challenges can make individuals feel alone in their battle. The idea that no one else understands can lead to feelings of hopelessness. However, when someone enters a supportive community, they quickly realize they are not alone, and that’s a powerful shift. The Transformative Power of Community At The Gatehouse, the transformative power of community is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Witnessing survivors tear up when they hear the words “I believe you” underscores the immense strength it takes to fight for oneself, especially when they’ve been denied that belief by those who were meant to protect them. The journey to trust themselves, to open up to the support group process, is truly an honor to witness. Here, survivors realize they deserve better and are willing to do the work of moving from isolation, fear, and shame into connection, love, and joy. While simply showing up is the first step, the real work begins when people engage deeply with the community, and what’s even more remarkable is their determination to continue doing this work time and again. Starting something new is overwhelming for anyone, but for those walking up the five front steps of The Gatehouse—steps many describe as the hardest to take—it’s a courageous leap toward healing. What’s even more inspiring is that many who take that leap go on to thrive, some eventually becoming facilitators themselves. Community begets community, and in this shared space, we learn from one another. When one person steps into their power, it inspires others to keep going, showing them that they, too, can reach that place of empowerment. Witnessing the breakthroughs and successes of others, and celebrating those moments together, is a powerful reminder that no one is ever alone in their struggles or triumphs. This collective strength builds trust and reminds everyone that their worth is not tied to the easy times—they are always supported. A recent event at The Gatehouse that epitomizes community, has been participants creating an aftercare group to continue supporting one another, even after their formal group had ended. This is a true testament to the lasting impact of love, care, and community. The Importance of Community Whether here at The Gatehouse, or other peer-based programs, the importance of community in the healing journey cannot be overstated. When individuals find a place where they belong—where their experiences are validated, and their progress is celebrated—they gain the strength and courage to continue their journey. In these communities, healing becomes not just a personal endeavor, but a collective one. Together, people rise. If you or someone you know is embarking on a recovery journey, remember that reaching out to a community can be a powerful step toward healing. Stories of recovery are stories of hope, and often, they are stories of belonging. For more information about our peer support group programs, please visit https://thegatehouse.org/programs-and-services
Importance of Community & Belonging
Importance of Community & Belonging Written By: Daniella Tucci, Previous Placement Student , The Gatehouse Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a very traumatic lived experience for people to hold onto for the rest of their lives. This type of abuse not only harms people physically, but as well leaves them emotionally scarred. Most often adult survivors struggle with feelings of isolation due to the impact of the abuse. Feelings of community, support, belonging, and trust may start to diminish as individuals isolate themselves from their environment around them. This then results in feelings of unworthiness and loneliness. These feelings of isolation stem from keeping the secrecy of the abuse. Perpetrators may do anything in their power to keep the abuse a secret to avoid consequences, which then puts the survivor in a difficult situation. The relationship between perpetrator and victim is most often power-over, which means it is built on force, coercion, domination, and control, and runs off fear. It is set on the idea that some people (the perpetrator) have power, whereas others (the victim) have none (Stuart, 2019). This relationship can result in the survivor feeling broken, unworthy, and unlovable, amongst other feelings. This power imbalance creates an emotionally draining environment for the survivor, which can lead to future feelings of isolation. CSA is also seen as a taboo topic making it uncomfortable to address, and even disclose. This unaccepting light shed onto an important global concern not only promotes silence in survivors but increases the chance of future abuse. To promote self-awareness as well as community awareness it is important to remind survivors that you are not alone. Although CSA is common, it is vital to remind survivors that this lived experience is not normal, accepting, or okay and what happened to them is not their fault. It has been found that 1 in 10 Canadians reported being sexually victimized before they turned 18 (Afifi et al., 2014). These numbers are disheartening, as a community it is important to highlight the use of one’s voice. By empowering and uplifting one another we can move survivors out of isolation to belonging. It is common for survivors to feel alone at times due to the abuse and relationship they had with their perpetrator. Feelings and thoughts of no one will understand me, accept me, validate me, and appreciate me are common after CSA. A big contributor to this is a lack of trust. Oftentimes trust is stripped away because of the abuse, and it is hard for survivors to rebuild that sense of trust later in life. Although, trust building is a crucial part of the healing journey. To move out of isolation survivors must have confidence in others to hold and honor their experience. Since each person’s story, experience, and coping mechanisms are different, the way in which a person seeks help can appear different as well. It is crucial to never force someone to share their story of CSA, we must accept and respect others’ boundaries and allow them to come forward when they are ready. In times where it is apparent that those around us need support or the motivation to seek help, it is important to lend them a helping hand and guide them down the right path. Overcoming feelings of helplessness, loneliness, and unworthiness require help from those around you, including professionals and loved ones (support systems). Seeking support is a big step, and it is not one you have to take alone. Finding agencies such as The Gatehouse help make starting a healing journey easier. At The Gatehouse we believe that no one should suffer in silence. To build a sense of community, we encourage survivors to share their voice and stories in a safe space where they can be heard. We validate each and everyone’s story of CSA, highlight that you are worthy and capable of moving forward, and help promote community and connections. When seeking support, a person needs to find a place where they can flourish, feel accepted, and not alone – and that is exactly what The Gatehouse offers. Embarking on a healing journey within a community atmosphere has its risks and benefits. Committing to a peer support group can cause feelings to arise, promote triggers and flashbacks, and cause a person to use unhealthy coping mechanisms. This is due to hearing and processing an abundance of information from the facilitators and participants. Although we highlight the risks, we as well highlight that you are not alone. Committing to a group at The Gatehouse provides a person with plenty of supports and resources. Participants learn they are not alone, and although everyone’s stories are different it is enlightening to know that they are not the only person with this lived experience. Making connections, sharing stories, and encouraging growth promote a sense of trust and community. By providing a safe environment where survivors can learn and grow together, it also creates a space where survivors can bond with one another. Peer support groups have an abundance of benefits and although we acknowledge the risks, we have seen a high success rate of healing with a community. Therefore, it is important to heal with a community since it provides support, resources, comfort, and trust that the survivor needs to process and heal from their trauma. Important Reminder: healing is not a linear process, and although some moments on your journey can feel isolating you must remember that you are never alone. Moving out of isolation can be hard, and overcoming unwanted feelings targeted at ourselves can be even harder. At The Gatehouse we promote sharing one’s voice and appreciate, respect, and validate each person’s story. By providing a safe, open, and inclusive space where survivors of CSA can come together to heal, we provide an opportunity to build a sense of community and belonging. Overcoming CSA does not have to be a process one embarks on alone. Through an empowerment approach The Gatehouse can offer a platform for all CSA