About us

Our Mission

ARISE Ministry empowers individuals involved in the sex trade to reclaim their lives. Offering outreach, case management and spiritual care to those involved in the sex trade.

Meet Our Team


Rev. katherine mccloskey, Executive Director

 

Rev. Katherine McCloskey, B.A., MDiv

Rev. Katherine McCloskey is the Community Chaplain and Executive Director of ARISE Ministry. She is a Minister of The Beaches Presbyterian Church in Toronto and has been engaged in ministry with street-involved persons since 2010.

Katherine has served as an outreach volunteer with ARISE Ministry for many years as well as a Board member. Her pastoral presence, commitment to justice and knowledge of ARISE, and visionary outlook is the leadership that is needed at this time.

Guided by the steadfast love of God, Rev Katherine is excited to be a part of ARISE. Trusting in the God who sees and who walks alongside, Katherine is looking forward to leading the staff and volunteers of ARISE in fostering hope and empowering individuals involved in the sex trade.


Bethany, Case Manager & Outreach Worker

Bethany is a Registered Social Worker acting as a Case Manager and Street Outreach Worker for ARISE Ministry. She completed her Bachelor of Social Work and Minor in Psychology at Ryerson University in 2018, after completing her senior practicum with ARISE. Bethany works from a spiritual approach integrated with anti-oppressive practice frameworks. She also works in the community as a Doula where she is able to pursue her passion for maternal and infant health and well-being.

 


Stephanie, case manager & outreach worker


 Stephanie Blasioli is a case manager and outreach worker at ARISE. Her background is in Psychology and in Social Service Work. She came to ARISE as a student at Geroge Brown College, and continued my relationship with ARISE that led to employment. She grew up playing hockey and lacrosse and have always had a passion for social service work and helping others. She currently resides in Toronto, Ontario with her lovely partner. 

Deborah, case manager & outreach worker

Deborah Connerty M.S.W., R.S.W., is acting as a Case manager and Outreach Worker for ARISE Ministry. Deborah has a master’s degree in social work from York University. Deborah currently has a small private practice in which she works with individuals who have experienced trauma, women fleeing violence and families going through separation and divorce. Deborah has previously managed an outreach program for abused women and worked with young mothers. Deborah is looking forward to bringing her years of experience to the work she does with the clients of Arise Ministry.


Alicia, Peer Advocate & Support Worker 

Alicia is a peer advocate and support worker with  ARISE Ministry.  She has a paralegal licence and diploma earned  from Canadian Business College.  Alicia has the lived experience and brings a new light to the table. She is excited to share her experiences and embark on successful journeys with her clients.

Angel Power, Peer Support Worker

Angel Power is a passionate advocate and accomplished poet. Angel is the author of “The Darkness and The Light,” a book of poetry in which she shares her lived experiences. Having overcome her own story of survival, she is committed to the empowerment of others and to preventative programs for at-risk youth. Angel serves as ARISE Ministry’s Peer Support Worker where she uses her experiences to inspire, encourage and empower others.


Oriana, Operations Manager

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Oriana has recently joined our team as Operations Manager. As a young child seeking refuge in Canada from a war-torn country, Oriana has been able to appreciate many different cultures and lived experiences on a deeper level. With over 10 years of operational and management experience, she is excited to be able to utilize her strengths and personal experiences to further grow our cause and leave a larger impact. On her free time Oriana enjoys hiking with her dog, creative writing, and arts & crafts.

Meet Our 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

JD Killeen, Chair

Rev. Chuck Moon, Member-at-Large

Rev. Daniel Cho, Member-at-Large

David McIntyre, Member-at-Large

Victoria Graff, Member-at-Large

Judy Nettleton, Treasurer

Rev. Katherine McCloskey, Executive DirectorB