The film Into the Light displays the extraordinary capacity of male survivors of childhood abuse to seek a new path of renewal for their lives through the power of their own resilience.
The men in this film truly represent the spiritual strength of the individual, who with the right input and opportunity through social reconnection and adult education, grab hold of their own lives and a renewed hope for the future.
Testimonials
How many times have you looked an otherwise bright guy on your caseload or unit and wondered why he can't seem to get his act together? We see the anger, the acting out, the self-destruction, the defiance of authority and the repeated failed efforts...but how do we help him to move beyond those unsuccessful strategies? The men in this film offer one possibility and they provide the inspirational example of why we need to explore the questions that so often go unasked. I urge anyone that works with men in conflict with the law to view this film and wonder whose story are you hearing...the guy on the film or that guy on your caseload ?
Bill Staubi, Director General of Performance Management, Correctional Services Canada
"Into the Light is a powerful and inspiring portrayal of a group of men coming to terms with the experience of their childhood victimization. It is impossible to bear witness to these extraordinary stories and remain unmoved. The courage and candour of the men cuts to the heart of the male victim experience. In my 25 years as an advocate for victims I have never seen such an inspiring and uplifting portayal of the triumph of the heart over unimaginable cruelty and unkindness. One immediately feels the depth of caring and compassion these extraordinary "everymen" possess and the strength of the human bonds they have forged with one another on their collective journey toward healing and wholeness. Powerful, illuminating and wise, this video should be viewed again and again by anyone, lay or professional, who knows or cares about a man in their lives who was victimized as a child."
Dr. Fred Mathews, Director of Research, Central Toronto Youth Services, and author of "The Invisible Boy"
I want to pass my sincerest congratulations on to the Gatehouse team for creating a film that is so real and empowering. It provides an excellent perspective on the pain and the possibilities that we, the survivors, experience along the road to healing. I urge service providers, survivors, family members, really anyone, to make this film a "must see". My thanks, again, to the Gatehouse for your passionate and innovative leadership.
Sheldon Kennedy
