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.”
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
Healing the Voice Within
Join us for the 3rd Annual Healing the Voice Within in support of The Gatehouse October 4th, 2018, 7 pm – 10 pm The Liberty Grand Tickets: $75.00 Buy Tickets at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/the-gatehouse-child-abuse-investigation-support-site/events/healing-the-voice-within-2/ Healing the Voice Within is a one of a kind art exhibit to give voice to sexual abuse survivors; promote awareness about the important work of The Gatehouse, and raise much-needed funds for its programs and services. 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys will be sexually abused. Children of sexual abuse are in desperate need of our support and services and we rely on the generosity of individuals and businesses to fund and expand our creative programs like Full Circle Art Therapy. Victims learn to regain their voices through the powerful medium of artwork, which teaches positive coping techniques to address the anxiety, nightmares, and depression resulting from childhood sexual abuse. Facing abuse can be a heartbreaking journey and the path to healing and a healthy future begins at The Gatehouse: A safe place for children to disclose abuse to police and child welfare workers and receive support, as well as a resource for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. #metoo #ibreakthesilence #JPSTEAM #stopcsa #itsnotok
The Gatehouse at the Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade
The Gatehouse staff, volunteers, and students from Twentieth Street Junior School had a wonderful time at this year’s Etobicoke Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade as part of our elf troupe! Thank you, Mayor Tory, for your support of this wonderful community! Thank you to all staff, volunteers, parents, all students from Twentieth Street Junior School, and supporters for helping with preparations, taking part in the parade and spreading holiday cheer! Thank you to Toronto Police, 22 Division Rovers and all Parade staff, volunteers and coordinators for hosting another wonderful event!
Congratulations Stewart Thompson, Lead Volunteer Facilitator – The Gatehouse
September 26, 2017 – Caledon – A heartfelt Congratulations to The Gatehouse Lead Volunteer Faciltiator Stewart Thompson, who was presented with the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteerism by Caledon Mayor Allan Thompson this week. Stewart is also the host of Personal Transformation web radio show, broadcasted live every Thursday evening at 7 pm EST. From Arthur Lockhart, Founder The Gatehouse Just wanted to draw attention to one of our peer facilitators who, Tuesday, September 26th, received the Sovereign Medal of Ontario for his volunteer work at the Gatehouse. Stewart received the award with grace, humility, dignity all of which he continuously brings to life at The Gatehouse. I was truly struck by what Stewart has created here-the group facilitation and the podcasts that go out every Thursday evening reaching out to people globally! It is such a joy to know that Stewart is part of the magic of the Gatehouse. Congratulations to Stewart-so very well deserved!! Warmly Arthur Lockhart Founder, The Gatehouse
Healing the Voice Within Fundraiser – October 25, 2017
Oct. 27th – 2017 – The Gatehouse hosted the 2nd Annual Healing the Voice Within fundraiser, October 25th at the Spoke Club, 7 pm – 10 pm. Healing the Voice Within is a one of a kind art exhibit to give voice to sexual abuse survivors; promote awareness about the important work of The Gatehouse, and raise much-needed funds for its programs and services. 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys will be sexually assaulted at some time in their lives. Thank you to all who attended, supported, shared powerful stories of courage, strength, and resiliency at The Gatehouse 2nd Annual Healing the Voice Within fundraiser held October 25, 2017, at the Spoke Club in Toronto. Thank you to Lacey Ashtyn and Pearl Lee co-founders of Full Circle Art Therapy Centre for their amazing support in facilitating the art therapy programs for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse at The Gatehouse. Thank you to our amazing event volunteers: Alia, Brittany, Caitlin Cafaro, Connor, Crystial, Curtis, Denise Orth, Jeremiah, Jessie, John Patrick, Lashanna, Mazen Zehairi, Roula Matti, Zada, Rick Magrath, Sofia, Natalie, Cristina, Shaquille, Tiffany, Suzanne. Rover Crew: Abdul, John Paul, Mackenzie Wilson & Tyson Thank you to the Healing Voice Within Fundraising Committee: Dr. Mary Grogan, Stefan, Leah, Lorne, Ellen, Silvia, Dr. Mukherjee, Tony Vella , Supt. Ron Taverner, David Butt & Katie. Thank you to our wonderful staff: Paula Cordeiro. Paul Dunn, Stephanie Alves, Brad Hutchinson. Thank you for vision, direction, relentless energy and support Arthur Lockhart Your speech yesterday truly resonated with everyone in that room. We get to create magic on the planet. Thank you to our guest speakers: Deputy Chief, Shawna Coxon, Toronto Police Superintendent Ron Taverner, Toronto Police Service Lacey Ford, Co-Founder Full Circle Art Therapy Centre Arthur Lockhart, Founder, The Gatehouse Pat Capponi, Mental health advocate, Author, and recipient of the Order of Canada Ms. Patricia Jaggernauth, CP24, MC Thanks to Ryan Haas, President, Corporate Assets Inc. for his amazing energy in the live auction! Thank you to Ted Nisker, Artist, Live Painting Thank you to all our sponsors! National Post, Z103.5, Jewel 88.5, Humber College School of Social and Community Services, Ryerson University, Toronto Police Services Board, David Butt, A celebrity Limo, David Dinkha, Tickner, Marsh, Sapi H&S, 33Seven, Loblaws, Shoppers Drug Mart, Air Canada, Toronto Police, Rose Dental, Stefan Horodeckyj, Knights of Columbus, ABLE, LIUNA, Gualtieri Insurance, Jean Augustine. We are honored and 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. #mentalhealth#sexualabuse #arttherapy #awareness #greatspeech #toronto #event#support #brave #courage #nonprofit #ibreakthesilence #metoo For more information about The Gatehouse please visit www.thegatehouse.org.#JPSTEAM #6inthesix Funding for The Gatehouse programs for survivors of childhood sexual abuse relies on the generosity of individuals and businesses to fund and expand our creative programs like the Visual Arts Support Groups facilitated by Full Circle Art Therapy Centre. Survivors learn to regain their voices through the powerful medium of artwork, which teaches positive coping techniques to address the anxiety, nightmares, and depression resulting from childhood sexual abuse. The Gatehouse relies on the kind support from foundations, corporations, and volunteers. Every dollar we raised at the event helps empower and bring healing to victims, and helps spread awareness about childhood sexual abuse to create healthier, stronger communities. If you would like to make a financial donation to The Gatehouse or sponsor 2018 Healing the Voice Within, please make out a cheque to “The Gatehouse” with HVW18 in memo section and mail to our address The Gatehouse, 3101 Lake Shore Blvd. W., Toronto, ON, M8V 3W8. All donations over $25 CAD will receive a charitable tax receipt in the mail.
Blue Tie Ride – August 12, 2017
August 12, 2017 Thank you to everyone who came out and supported the 6th Annual Blue Tie Ride on Saturday, August 12th, 2017. Thank you to our sponsors: Local 675, Local 27, Rhino’s Roadhouse and Pfaff Harley-Davidson. 100 motorcycle enthusiasts took part in this year’s event. The Blue Tie Ride is a two and a half hour touring and fundraising event, with this year’s starting point at Pfaff Harley Davidson in Richmond Hill and ending in the beautiful village of Bewdley on the shores of Rice Lake, at Rhino’s Roadhouse. Blue Tie Ride was established in 2011 by Raumar Bustamante and Dolly Betancourt, motorcycle aficionados with an equal passion for charitable work. Since then 15 dedicated committee members have joined the team to continue bringing together motorcycle enthusiasts and community members to support the work of Prostate Cancer Canada, whose mission is to support research into the cause, cure, and prevention of prostate cancer. This year the ride also supported the lifesaving work of The Gatehouse, a unique community based charitable organization in Toronto that provides supports, resources, and advocacy on behalf of those impacted by childhood sexual abuse. 100% of net proceeds will be divided amongst the two charities. To date, the ride has raised $49,000. The 6th annual official tally will be available on the Blue Tie Ride website shortly. Planning has already started for the 7th annual ride. For more information about the ride, to donate, sponsor or volunteer to help out visit http://www.bluetieride.ca/ Donations are always welcome and can be made to The Gatehouse or Prostate Cancer Canada on the Blue Tie Ride website as well.