Let’s Keep Kids Safe From Sexual Abuse We know that most incidents of child sexual abuse occur by someone the child knows and trusts. This might be a sibling, parent, caregiver or other trusted child or adult in their life. With the vast majority of our population now isolating themselves and families at home, at-risk children and youth are at greater risk. According to research, 1 in 10 Canadians reported being sexually victimized before they turned 18. This number reflects only 7% of the cases since 93% of child sexual abuse cases are never reported – that’s alarming! Here’s how you can reduce the risks: Educate yourself so that you fully understand the risks and situations this kind of violence occurs. We like some of the resources Canadian Centre for Child Protection has made available.  Pay attention to how children are interacting with each other and adults in their life and don’t ignore warning signs or that uncomfortable feeling we call instinct.  Talk about body parts early on in an age-appropriate way. Teach them the correct names and purpose of each part.   Teach children that some body parts are very private. They need to know that these special parts belong to them and are not for others to see or touch. They should know it’s ok if the doctor sees them and may sometimes need to touch but a parent would be with them if that is the case.  Teach about boundaries. Children need to know that no one should be asking to see or touch their parts and if they do, they should say no and tell someone. Again, unless it is medically necessary. Body secrets are not ok. Most abusers will tell a child that what they are asking to do or doing is a secret. Children need to learn what a good secret is (like a birthday gift) and bad secrets which might hurt them (sexual touching). No pictures or videos should ever be taken of their private body parts.  Teach your child how to get out of uncomfortable situations that do not seem right to them. They should know it’s ok to tell an adult and leave the area to a place they feel safe.  Tell them they will never get in trouble if they tell you about any of the above. They should know that secret touching of their private body parts may tickle or feel good. That is a normal function of that body part. They should still try to stop the touching if they can, and tell you about it. The rules apply to every person in their life. A child needs to know if their sibling, friend, uncle, neighbour, parent, teacher and so, ever touch them in their private parts, they need to tell you.Teaching children about their private bodies is a parents job, protecting and reporting any form of child abuse is everyone’s responsibility.   Written by Sherry Slejska, CM Mental Health Advocate and Communicator   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. You can donate one time or 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.

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is a vital two-day course developed by LivingWorks Education, that covers the following: ASIST is a 2-day intensive, interactive and practice-dominated course designed to help individuals recognize the risk of suicide, and learn how to intervene to prevent the risk of suicidal thoughts from becoming suicidal behaviors. Suitable for all persons in positions of trust: health professionals, social service workers, teachers, counselors, youth workers, police and correctional staff, and community volunteers. Prepared caregivers can help prevent suicide. Includes a Suicide Intervention Handbook and a certificate. ASIST Workshop features: Presentations and guidance from two LivingWorks Education registered trainers A scientifically proven intervention model Powerful audiovisual learning aids Group discussions Skills practice and development A balance of challenge and safety Instructors: Brad and Paula Rate: $190 per person. 2020 Session Dates S3: Sat/Sun, May 30/31, 9:30am to 5:30pm CANCELLED due to COVID 19 S4: Sat/Sun, Oct.3/4, 9:30am to 5:30pm S5: Sat/Sun, Nov.7/8, 9:30am to 5:30pm For more information or to register, click: http://thegatehouse.org/asist-suicide-intervention-training/

Dear Gatehouse Community,                                                                             December 2019 Effective immediately, the Drop-In Group Thursday night group at The Gatehouse is being cancelled and will no longer be offered. The Gatehouse has limited resources and funding and at this time we are focusing our energy on offering and enhancing our core programs, Phase 1 Phase 2 and Partners. There are regular walk in accessible counselling resources in the community, which can be found at WHATS UP WALK-IN Locations across the city at  http://www.whatsupwalkin.ca/. Other resources are available in your local community may be found via E-Mental Health http://www.ementalhealth.ca/. Other programs available include: Paths of Courage – One week residential stay in Belleville. More info at www.pathsofcourage.com Canadian Centre for Men & Families – Peer support, counselling and groups for Male Survivors in Toronto https://menandfamilies.org/Canada-programs/ Crisis Resources in Toronto below: TORONTO DISTRESS CENTRE (416) 408-4357 or 408-HELP – Offers access to emotional support from the safety and security of the closest telephone. GERSTEIN CENTRE (416) 929-5200. Provides crisis intervention to adults, living in the City of Toronto, who experience mental health problems. The service has three aspects; telephone support, community visits and a ten-bed, short-stay residence. ASSAULTED WOMEN’S HELPLINE: 416-863-0511; Toll-Free 1-866-863-0511 for more than 25 years, the Assaulted Women’s Helpline has served as a free, anonymous and confidential 24-hour telephone and TTY crisis telephone line to all women. TORONTO RAPE CRISIS CENTRE/MULTICULTURAL WOMEN AGAINST RAPE: 416-597-8808; TEXT SUPPORT: 1-647-490-8822 ANISHNAWBE 24/7 MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS MANAGEMENT SERVICE: 416-891-8606 (Aboriginal clients) not only promotes Traditional Aboriginal practices but has affirmed and placed them at its core. Its model of health care is based on Traditional practices and approaches and are reflected in the design of its programs and services.                                                                                                                           – The Gatehouse

Dear Gatehouse Community, I am reaching out to you all today to announce the resignation of Brad Hutchinson effective as of October 18, 2019. Brad is leaving due to being offered another position with another company. Since Brad joined The Gatehouse team in 2014, he has been a valuable and well-respected member of our team, bringing wisdom and expertise in mindfulness. Meditation and mental health. We will miss Brad’s positive attitude, empathy, and professionalism. Furthermore, he will continue to deliver ASIST Suicide Intervention training in 2020 through The Gatehouse. We honour his decision and wish him all the best in his future endeavours. We are forever grateful to him for his insight, support and transformational energy that he brought to The Gatehouse over the past 5+ years in the roles of Executive Director and Lead Trainer/ASIST. On behalf of everyone at The Gatehouse please wish Brad all the best for the future. His email will remain active for 30 days and available if you would like to send him a message at bhutchinson@thegatehouse.org please feel free to do so. With utmost and sincere gratitude, Maria Barcelos Maria Barcelos, Executive Director, MA[c], B.A. Justice Studies, HRM Diploma & ASIST

On Saturday Dec. 7, 2019, The Gatehouse staff and volunteers helped to spread holiday cheer at the 29th Annual ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE SANTA CLAUS PARADE. Thank you to all The Gatehouse volunteers who helped out at the 2019 Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade.  Thank you, Stephanie Alves, Paula Cordeiro, Maria Barcelos, Denise Orth, Sherry Cayea, Marc Beaudry, Beau, Sarah B. Hayden, Zada, Amanda, Nicola Coles, Stewart Thompson, and David Orth.  We had a wonderful time walking, laughing, wishing a Merry Christmas, Feliz Natal and Joyeux Noel with you all! The parade is a wonderful community tradition, taking place on the first Saturday of December each year from 10am – 12pm  along Lakeshore Blvd. West 1st Street to 36th Street  followed by Skate With Santa 12pm – 4pm at Colonel Sam Smith Park  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. After the parade, there is an event called Skate with Santa at the Skating Trail in Col. Sam Smith Park. The kids can take a selfie with Santa, there is live music, the Beaver Tails food truck will be present, and of course, the kids can go skating.

Hello everyone, On Sunday, October 20th, 17 team Gatehouse members walked/ran The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 5K. This event features three events: a marathon, a half marathon, and 5km run/walk. Each year we take part to raise awareness of the impact of childhood sexual abuse and the work of The Gatehouse in helping survivors to transform their lives from a place of capacity, hope and resilience.  We are truly grateful to our supporters, staff and volunteers who took part in the event. We could not do this without your support! See you in 2020!  

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 torontovictorwalk@gmail.com 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 mbarcelos@thegatehouse.org or 416-255-5900 x225