June 3, 2024 – Toronto, Ontario – It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Al Beaty, a beloved member of The Gatehouse community. Al was not just a volunteer; he was a foundational figure whose unwavering dedication and compassionate spirit helped shape The Gatehouse into what it is today. In 1998, when The Gatehouse was just an ambitious vision, Al was among the original team of volunteers who worked tirelessly to make it a reality. His commitment to our mission was evident in every task he undertook, every person he helped, and every moment he spent working to better our community. Al’s influence can be seen in the very fabric of our organization, and his legacy is one that we will continue to honor and cherish. Watch video of Al and other original volunteer team sharing about their experiences in building The Gatehouse https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnDoEb0a3wQ Watch video of the restoration of The Gatehouse https://youtu.be/ovYI16GeWDc Al’s contributions went far beyond the tangible. He was a source of strength and encouragement for everyone at The Gatehouse. His kindness, wisdom, and unwavering support provided a foundation upon which many have built their lives. Al believed in the power of community and the importance of supporting one another, values that remain at the core of our mission. We are deeply saddened by Al’s passing, and our sincerest condolences go out to his friends and family. His loss is felt deeply by all who knew him, but his spirit lives on in the work we do every day. The Gatehouse would not be what it is without Al’s vision, hard work, and heart. In memory of Al, we are committed to continuing his legacy. We will strive to uphold the values he embodied and ensure that The Gatehouse remains a place of hope, support, and community for all who need it. Al’s life reminds us of the profound impact one person can have, and his legacy will continue to inspire us as we move forward. To honor Al’s memory, we encourage those who feel moved to do so to contribute to The Gatehouse. Your donations will help us to continue providing vital services and support, ensuring that Al’s work lives on and continues to make a difference. Thank you, Al, for everything you have done for The Gatehouse. You will be deeply missed, but your spirit and legacy will never be forgotten. With deepest gratitude and remembrance, Donations via Cheque can be mailed to: The Gatehouse 3101 Lake Shore Blvd W. Toronto, ON, M8V 3W8 Donations in Al’s memory can be online can be made using the form below.

Transforming Trauma into Triumph: 14th Annual Conference Recap Victims and Survivors of Crime Week is “The Power of Collaboration” On Wednesday, May 15th, 2024, the 14th Annual Transforming Trauma into Triumph Conference took place at Humber College’s Lake Shore Campus. With 71 attendees, the event proved to be a powerful and inspiring gathering dedicated to addressing and understanding childhood sexual abuse (CSA). Event Highlights The conference commenced with registration at 9:00 AM, and the formal program ran from 9:45 AM to 4:00 PM. The participants, who included survivors of childhood sexual abuse, social service professionals, post-secondary students, police officers, and community members, convened in Building L Room 1017 for a day of insightful discussions and knowledge sharing. Key Objectives The conference aimed to: Raise awareness about the impact of childhood sexual abuse and the resilience of survivors. Enhance knowledge of community services available to support CSA survivors. Facilitate the exchange of diverse perspectives on victimization, criminal justice, healing, and recovery. Foster collaboration among psychotherapists, mental health practitioners, and survivors sharing their healing journeys. Why This Event Matters With statistics revealing that 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys will be sexually assaulted at some point in their lives, the importance of The Gatehouse’s mission cannot be overstated. This conference highlighted the crucial need for continued support and services for survivors, emphasizing the role of peer support in helping individuals regain their voices and develop positive coping mechanisms to combat anxiety, nightmares, and depression. Esteemed Speakers The conference featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including: Marlee Liss, award-winning speaker and restorative justice advocate Tara MacLean, singer, songwriter, and author Trynelle Thomas, survivor and advocate Irwin Elman, Officer of the Order of Canada and President of Defence For Children Representatives from the Toronto Police Service Sex Crimes Unit Arthur Lockhart, founder of The Gatehouse Kristi White, Rosalia Rivera, and Stewart Thompson from the Survivor Council of Canada Maria Barcelos, MA, Executive Director of The Gatehouse and registered psychotherapist Mafalda Silva, DTATI, RP, art therapist Support and Sponsorship The Gatehouse relies on the generosity of individuals and businesses to fund and expand its programs, which are offered free of charge to those affected by childhood sexual abuse. These programs include child abuse investigations, peer support groups, art therapy, and support for partners and families. This event was generously supported by the Department of Justice Canada Victims and Survivors of Crime Week Funding. About The Gatehouse Since its founding on June 20, 1998, The Gatehouse has been a beacon of hope for CSA survivors. Its mission is to provide support, community, and resources for those impacted by childhood sexual abuse, helping them to heal and reclaim their voices. For more information, please visit The Gatehouse website or contact Maria Barcelos at mbarcelos@thegatehouse.org. Contact Information The Gatehouse Child Abuse Investigation & Support Site 3101 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Toronto, ON, M8V 3W8 Phone: 416.255.5900 Fax: 416.255.7221 Website: www.thegatehouse.org Thank you to all who attended and supported this vital conference. Together, we are transforming trauma into triumph.  

Mindfulness Group Sessions in the Healing Garden with Brad Hutchinson Dates: May 21 and 22, 2024 Time: 11am to 1pm Location: In person at The Gatehouse 3101 Lake Shore Blvd W., Toronto, ON, M8V 3W8 Cost: $60 per person. Partial proceeds support The Gatehouse. Reduced rate available for individuals on OW/ODSP. Register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeoFTQS1Eh96E1pDooFIA7JXnyW4W0pO7LHDI44SrgY-a–JQ/viewform?usp=sf_link Through various meditation and mindfulness techniques, Brad leads participants on an exploration of their thoughts, emotions, and sensations, encouraging them to embrace the present moment with acceptance and non-judgment. Whether seated in quiet reflection or engaged in mindful movement, each practice fosters a deeper connection to oneself and the world around them. Beyond the individual journey, the group dynamic adds richness to the experience, as shared insights and supportive camaraderie deepen the sense of community and belonging. Together, participants embark on a shared voyage of self-discovery. Questions? Email Brad at brad@stepintothecreative.com

Join us at our upcoming Annual General Meeting  Thursday, June 26, 2025 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm EST ONLINE via Zoom We are pleased to announce that the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of The Gatehouse will be held on: Date: Thursday, June 26, 2025 Time: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM Location: ONLINE via Zoom Registration is required. Please register in advance for this meeting by clicking this link and completing the brief form: AGM Registration Form After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing the Zoom link information to join the meeting. Agenda: Call to Order Approval of Minutes from the Previous AGM Treasurer’s Financial Report – Review and Vote on Audited Financial Statements Appointment of the Auditor Executive Directors Report Election of Board Members Old Business New Business Adjournment All members are encouraged to attend the ONLINE AGM meeting. However, if you are unable to attend, you may appoint a proxy to attend and vote on your behalf. Proxy forms will be made available upon request via email to the Executive Director, Maria Barcelos, at mbarcelos@thegatehouse.org and must be returned at least 24 hours before the meeting via email to Maria. Please note that only members whose names appear on the members register in good standing in 2024-2025 will be eligible to attend and vote at the meeting. If you have not yet paid your membership fee of $10, you can do so online via https://thegatehouse.org/become-a-member/ We look forward to your presence at the Annual General Meeting as we discuss The Gatehouse’s progress, achievements, and plans for the future. Your participation is crucial in shaping the direction of The Gatehouse. For any inquiries or to request a proxy form, please contact: Maria Barcelos Executive Director mbarcelos@thegatehouse.org 416-255-5900 x225 Thank you for your continued support. Benefits of being an official member of The Gatehouse As a member, you will: Receive information about the programs and services we offer Attend and vote at the annual general meeting every spring Connect with other persons in the community to procure in-kind services and possible donations Participate in volunteer activities in support of the Gatehouse based on your area of interest and expertise, for example, fundraising initiatives, annual 5k run/walk, house maintenance, painting, landscaping, community awareness, conference planning, program development, and research, social media, photography, or film production. Cost: $10 per year Becoming a member is your way to be involved in meaningful activities that address the trauma of childhood sexual abuse! Questions? If you have any questions or need help with launching your Zoom app, please email Maria

Title: Transforming Trauma: Bridging Healing and Creativity Through Community Date: Sunday, August 28th, 2022 Time: 2 pm to 4 pm EST Location: The Gatehouse Healing Garden, 3101 Lakeshore Blvd W., Toronto, ON, M8V 3W8 Description: An immersive art exhibit of Art and poems from survivors, members of The Gatehouse groups, and Full Circle Art Therapy Groups will be on display. Participants will be able to create art demonstrating how they feel about what they have heard/seen as part of the event. The Gatehouse Global Poetry Movement website will be on display on a screen with poems available to view and hear. Register Here Questions? Email Maria at mbarcelos@thegatehouse.org

Transforming Trauma 2022 | A Virtual Event Maria Barcelos, MA, Executive Director Our 12th Annual Transforming Trauma into Triumph Conference embodied the theme of “The Power of Collaboration.” As part of National Victims and Survivors of Crime Week, we gathered as a community to recognize the tremendous courage, strength, commitment, and resiliency of survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). I am grateful to all our staff, volunteers, students, and donors whose wonderful dedication, compassion, and empathy empower survivors to reach out for support, make meaningful long-lasting connections, and transform their lives for the better. Thank you to Jasmine Lem, Program Assistant, for your tremendous support in co-organizing, social media content creation, and communications for this event again this year. Thank you to the wonderful speakers including Drucilla Gary, Lauren Frechette, Mehnaz Lamia, Riley Goldstein, William Sparks, Arthur Lockhart, Matthew McVarish, Stewart Thompson, Kelsey Leroux, Patrick Sandford, Carrie George, Alessandro Motta, Erin Gilmour, Bob Carscadden, Lucie Bruneau, Carolyn Smith, Andrea Robin Skinner, Kaitlyn Axelrod, Matthias Katsch, Wibke Müller, Rob Hawkings, Sheri Jackson, Nicola Yoga, Brian Morrison, Jay Rothman, Joe Groh, Avdeep Bahra, and Rosalia Rivera. Thank you to organizations supporting the event including Voice Found, Sheena’s Place, Renascent, Black Women in Motion, Wick Poetry Centre, Kent State University, Carolyn Smith Coaching, Nicola Yoga, Voice of Men 360, Andrea R. Skinner at Horse Discovery, OCAD University Students, Members of the Survivors’ Council in Germany and German Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, members of The Brave Movement and SAGE. I am honoured to work alongside wonderful and dedicated staff, volunteers, donors, and courageous survivors. I am profoundly inspired by the meaningful connections made, everyone’s sharing, and especially meaningful collaborations worldwide to raise awareness of the impact and prevalence of CSA and the establishment of a Survivors Council of Canada. The dream of extending The Gatehouse to many other communities continues. We cannot do this work without financial support. Donate today to support The Gatehouse. You are helping to save and transform lives for the better. I look forward to seeing you next year at our 13th Annual Transforming Trauma Conference in 2023. Click Here for Full 2022 Summary Report – 12th Annual Transforming Trauma Conference Thank you to our Event Supporters This event was funded by the Victims Fund, 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/ Transforming Trauma Conference Collaborators: Thank you to supporting agencies including Voice Found, Sheena’s Place, Renascent, Black Women in Motion, Wick Poetry Centre, Kent State University, Carolyn Smith Coaching, Nicola Yoga, Voice of Men 360, Andrea at Horse Discovery, OCAD University Students, Members of the Survivors’ Council in Germany and German Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, members of The Brave Movement and SAGE. For more information on Victims and Survivors of Crime Week, visit www.victimsweek.gc.ca Check out all recorded sessions on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TheGatehouseChildAbuseInvestigationSupportSite

Transforming Trauma 2021 | A Virtual Event Our 11th Annual Transforming Trauma into Triumph Conference, which took place during National Victims and Survivors of Crime Week, Monday, November 15 to Friday, November 19th, 2021.  was centered around the theme of “The Power of Collaboration.” As part of National Victims and Survivors of Crime Week, we came together as a community to recognize the tremendous courage, sincere commitment, and resiliency that survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) have demonstrated and shared with others at our amazing event. I continue to be grateful and blessed to witness the wonderful dedication, compassion, and empathy to empowering survivors to reach out for support, make meaningful long-lasting connections, and transform their lives for the better. The Conference featured 21 featured sessional speakers, 12 webinar presentations! This event gathered social agencies, first responders, and survivors of trauma to exchange ideas and evidence-based approaches to prevent and treat the symptoms and impact of childhood sexual abuse. Thank you to Jasmine Lem, Program Assistant, for your tremendous support in co-organizing, social media content creation, and communications for this event. Thank you to the wonderful speakers including Arthur Lockhart, Paula Cordeiro, Sabra Desai, Stewart Thompson, Ashtyn Ford, Avdeep Bahra, Deb Maybury, Sheri Jackson, Catherine Jun, Andrea Robin Skinner, Kaitlyn Axelrod, Miranda Pecoraro, Carrie George, Lindsay Lobb, Lucie Bruneau, Margaret McKinnon, Kelsey Leroux, Nicola Yoga, Jessica Field, and Rob Hawkings. Thank you to Amy Miranda and Lunch for their support with marketing for this event. Thank you to organizations supporting the event including Voice Found, Sheena’s Place, Black Women in Motion, Full Circle Art Therapy Centre, The Canadian Centre for Child Protection, and Wick Poetry Centre. I acknowledge the tremendous excellent efforts it takes to organize and deliver our annual event. I and honoured to work alongside wonderful and dedicated staff, volunteers, donors, and courageous survivors. I am profoundly inspired by the meaningful connections made, everyone’s valued insights shared, and discussions surrounding how CSA is impacting survivors on a worldwide level. The dream of extending The Gatehouse to many other communities continues. We cannot do this work without financial support. Donate today to support The Gatehouse. You are helping to save and transform lives for the better. I look forward to seeing you next year at our 12th Annual Transforming Trauma Conference. Maria Barcelos, MA, Executive Director Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) Check out the Full presenter list here Read the 2021 Summary Report Transforming Trauma Conference  here This event was funded by the Victims Fund, 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

Thank you to everyone who attended our 10th Annual Transforming Trauma Conference. Here are some of the successes achieved at this year’s event! 239 unique participants (with 139 of these attending more than two sessions during the week!) Most participants attending via computer (226) vs. Phone (13) 14 webinars delivered featuring 26 guest speakers in total- Webinar with highest registration and attendance was coping strategies led by registered psychotherapists and mindfulness/yoga practitioners with 110 attendees online. 13 of the webinars were live streamed to The Gatehouse Facebook and YouTube social pages. Most viewed session was the Survivors Stories Panel with over 574 views on Facebook as of Nov. 30, 2020 Attendees from Canada, United States of America, Peru, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Philippines and India 1700 unique visitors to our Website: thegatehouse.org Social post reach – organic 1,995 during conference week 13 of the 14 webinars were streamed to our YouTube channel at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GatehouseThe or on our Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/TheGatehouseChildAbuseInvestigationSupportSite Feel free to share these links on your social media feed! Your sharing helps others find their voice. Read Full conference Here! Thank you to our dedicated Staff Team: Stephanie Alves, Maria Barcelos and Paula Cordeiro Thank you to our dedicated Student Team: Karen, Brandon, Adam and Jasmine! Special thanks to our social media and marketing communications volunteer: Sherry Slejska Thank you to our wonderful presenters: Alex Shendelman, Andrea Robin Skinner, Arthur Lockhart, Avdeep Bahra, Brad Hutchinson, Catherine Jun, Catherine Morningstar, Charmaine Loverin, Cynthia Bland, Daniella Zarubica, Deb Maybury, Ian Kelly, John Nikas, Kaitlyn Axelrod, Lacey Ford, Lindsay Lobb, Lucie Bruneau, Maria Barcelos, Nicola Coles, Paula Cordeiro, Sarah Choujounian, Shamsa Iqbal, Sheri Jackson, Stefan Horodeckyj, Stephanie Alves, and Stewart Thompson. Thank you to our supporting agencies and their representative speakers: Voice Found, RCMP, Sheena’s Place, Distress Centres of Greater Toronto, Full Circle Art Therapy Centre, Canadian Centre for Child Protection. Thank you to the Department of Justice – Victims and Survivors of Crime Week – Victims Fund! 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

All Eyes on 2020 Campaign In support of The Gatehouse Help The Gatehouse get to 1000 monthly donors to keep The Gatehouse services available for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Donate $20.20 a month to helps us continue to provide lifesaving peer support programs that enable survivors to find their voice, share their story, build resilience and a sense of belonging. As a community, The Gatehouse needs your support. Please donate today and if possible share this message on your social media with the campaign link to help us raise awareness. One in three girls and one in six boys are sexually abused before the age of 18. As the whole world is quarantined to be safe, not everyone is truly safe at home. World Health Organization Joint Leader statement on Covid-19 Pandemic said, “Efforts to contain the coronavirus are vital to the health of the world’s population, but they are also exposing children to increased risk of violence – including maltreatment, gender-based violence, and sexual exploitation.” In 2018, in Ontario alone, there were 148,536 child abuse investigations; children between the ages of 0 and 15. This means that at this very moment, a child is experiencing the worst moment in their life.  These children will grow up. They will blend into society and hold their secret every day. They will have nightmares and problems trusting people. Their sense of self was robbed and they are highly likely to become addicted to drugs, alcohol, and sex. They will hate themselves and are at higher risk of suicide, addictions, and potential involvement with the justice system. We cannot always stop the abuse, but we can help heal it so that people can go on to enjoy life and be a positive part of society. That’s a story changer. That is what happens at www.thegatehouse.org where adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse find healing, community, and support. In unprecedented times like this, we also need organizations like The Gatehouse, now more than ever. The Gatehouse started its operations on June 20, 1998. It is a unique community based charitable organization whose mission is to provide supports, resources, and community to those impacted by childhood sexual abuse Let’s help The Gatehouse keep their doors open to support adults who were sexually abused as children to have opportunities to find their authentic self and heal their inner child. To become a wonderful partner and parent who enjoys their job, loves and protects their family and contributes to their community. Your monthly donation is what will make this happen.  “The Gatehouse has transformed and continues to shift my life in so many ways. Childhood trauma is an unfortunate reality in many people’s lives and to have a place to feel a sense of safety and belonging is not only vital in the healing process but also necessary. I feel so honoured to have been a participant, volunteer and now a community partner with The Gatehouse.” – Previous participant & Community Partner, Please help us to continue the healing and donate today. Even a small amount every month helps. Donate at: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/the-gatehouse-child-abuse-investigation-support-site/p2p/alleyeson2020 Our Executive Director, Maria Barcelos is sharing on social media about the impact of childhood sexual abuse and walking 2 miles per day with a personal goal of walking 120 miles by the end of August, inviting others to get moving, reconnecting with their bodies and unpacking shame associated with body image that many survivors experience. Check out our social media pages for updates! Share #alleyeson2020 campaign link, use hashtag #thegatehousetoronto and tag us to show support for survivors! Social Media  Twitter: @Gatehouse_The & @BarcelMar Instagram: @thegatehousetoronto &  @barcel.mar Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGatehouseChildAbuseInvestigationSupportSite  Thank you for your support! Do you need information about financial assistance, mental health support, employment support, childcare, housing, food, clothing and shelter? Find help at 211central.ca or call/chat/text/email 2-1-1.