OUR STORY
Our Values, Vision, & Team
ARISE was founded in 2013 by Rev. Deb Stanbury as a ministry of the Presbytery of East Toronto, to help women in the sex trade to reclaim their lives through hope, love, and justice. Over the past decade, ARISE has grown and evolved to serve even more individuals involved in the sex trade to reflect the changing needs of those in our community.
In 2022, Rev. Katherine McCloskey, a long-time supporter, volunteer, and board member of ARISE stepped into the role of Executive Director to carry on the mission to journey with those who are involved in the sex trade, are survivors of sex trafficking, and/or have experienced sexual exploitation, because everyone has a future worth having.
Hope Lives Here
Our Values
Hope
We honour each person’s journey and believe in a future worth having
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Love
We live in and live out God’s love, as we believe that it is this love that reclaims lives
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Justice
We advocate for dignity and treat everyone with respect, fairness and kindness
Our Mission
ARISE Ministry empowers individuals involved in the sex trade to reclaim their lives through outreach, case management, and spiritual care to those involved in the sex trade.
Our Vision
ARISE envisions a future free of exploitation for all, and sees everyone as having a role to play in supporting survivors of human trafficking and preventing the creation of future victims.
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Check out ARISE's video What's Your Role?
created in partnership with
Tamara Cherry & PickUp Communications
to learn more.
Statement of Affirmation
ARISE is an open and affirming ministry, meaning that we are supportive of, believe in, and promote the full inclusion of all members of the 2SLGBTQI+ spectrum community in the church's life and ministry, as we strongly hold that
God's love includes everyone.
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All are welcome to join us in the ARISE community, and will be recognized by their preferred pronouns and name.
Each person has been created and gifted by God, and we thank each person that chooses to share their gifts with us.
We feel blessed that God has given us a community of such diversity, and know that our diversity is our strength.
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Meet our Team
ARISE takes a team approach to care, with each individual bringing forth their own perspective and varying lived experiences to assist all that they journey with.
Board of Directors
The Board of ARISE Ministry is a working board made up of passionate and committed directors who work diligently to ensure the success of our mission.
Land Acknowledgement
ARISE Ministry acknowledges that land upon which our space is situated,
lies on the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat, Seneca and
Mississaugas of the New Credit Indigenous Peoples.
We give thanks.
