March 7, 2026
Real Stories, Second Chances
Join us for a full day of real stories, live music, and community connection in East York. Hear lived‑experience speakers, meet local organizations, and shop our charity book and clothing sale supporting The Gatehouse. Pre‑register to reserve your spot and receive a free book when you purchase 4 or more books.
Why This Event Matters
Centering real stories, reconnecting a fragmented recovery community, and supporting local impact.
Real Stories, Second Chances was created to put real people and real experiences at the center of the conversation. The goal is to move beyond theory and stigma, and show what rebuilding life actually looks like—on stage, in community, and in practical ways.
Throughout the day, you’ll hear lived‑experience talks, meet community organizations, and see how local partners are working together to create safer, more supportive pathways for healing, housing, work, and long‑term stability. The charity thrift sale adds a tangible way to give back, with a portion of proceeds supporting The Gatehouse and adults impacted by childhood harm.
Our objective is simple: bring the community into one room, make support visible, and leave people with new hope, new connections, and clear next steps.
Event Schedule
A full afternoon of lived experience, music, and community connection.
🕛 12:00 PM – Opening Block
Welcome, word from Title Sponsor PagePickUp, host introduction, music by Taylor McNamara, keynotes from Tom Herstad and Emily Sauer, and a feature from The Gatehouse.
🕐 1:00 PM – Stories & Reading
Music performance, word from Sponsor Cost Liquidation, keynotes from Nina Turco and Nolisha Gaskin, plus a book reading by Tom Herstad.
🕑 2:00 PM – Community Impact
Music performance, word from Sponsor Okseelaw, keynotes from Ghrian Shine and Stewart Thompson, and a community talk from Bros Before Lows.
🕒 3:00 PM – Authors & Voices
Music performance, sponsor segment (open), keynotes from Nathalie Cousineau and Joe Seymond, and a book reading by Ghrian Shine.
🕓 4:00 PM – Leadership & Lived Experience
Music performance, sponsor segment (open), keynotes from Patrick Doering and Les Williams, and guest speaker Peter Handjis.
🕔 5:00 PM – Closing Block
Music performance, sponsor segment (open), final keynote from Oksana Nasadiuk, and closing thanks from the host.
Event Schedule
A full afternoon of lived experience, music, and community connection.
12:00 PM - Event Start
Word from our Title Sponsors: PagePickUp & FlexSpace Logistics
Host Introduction for the day
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 1: Taylor McNamara
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 2: Tom Herstad
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 3: Emily Sauer
(10–15 min) Charity Speaker 1: The Gatehouse
1:20 PM
Word from our Sponsor: Cost Liquidation
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 5: Les Williams
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 6: Nolisha Gaskin
(10–15 min) Book Reading 1: Tom Herstad
2:20 PM
(30 min) Music Performance: Matt
Word from our Sponsor: Okseelaw
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 7: Ghrian Shine
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 8: Stewart Thompson
(10–15 min) Charity Speaker 2: Bros Before Lows
3:50 PM
(30 min) Music Performance: Rich Freed
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 9: Nathalie Cousineau
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 10: Joe Seymond
(10–15 min) Book Reading 2: Ghrian Shine
5:20 PM
(15 min) Music Performance: Taylor McNamara
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 11: Patrick Doering
(15 min) Keynote Speaker 12: Oksana Nasadiuk
(15 min) Guest Speaker 1: Peter Handjis
Final Thank You from Host
Keynote Speakers
Our Mission
Recovery Support That Meets You Where You Are and Takes You To The Solution
Global, Peer-Led Community
Join weekly online forums with people in recovery, families, and professionals from cities around the world—anonymous-friendly, free, and open to all stages.
24/7 Digital Support
Use OpenRecovery’s free app to journal, track your mood, and access recovery tools and community anytime, from anywhere. Speak to Kai; your always-on recovery companion here to support when you can't speak to a therapist, peer-support or coach.
Work & Entrepreneurship Pathways
Get connected to recovery-friendly employers and low-barrier entrepreneurship programs so you can earn income in ways that fit your life. Training, tools & resources provided to ensure access to everyone.
Housing, Stability & Freedom
Explore sober living and affordable housing options today, with a long-term vision that can include rent-to-own and shared-equity opportunities. Financial freedom should be part of the solution.
Our Mission
Recovery Support That Meets You Where You Are and Takes You To The Solution
Global, Peer-Led Community
Join weekly online forums with people in recovery, families, and professionals from cities around the world—anonymous-friendly, free, and open to all stages.
24/7 Digital Support
Use OpenRecovery’s free app to journal, track your mood, and access recovery tools and community anytime, from anywhere. Speak to Kai; your always-on recovery companion here to support when you can't speak to a therapist, peer-support or coach.
Work & Entrepreneurship Pathways
Get connected to recovery-friendly employers and low-barrier entrepreneurship programs so you can earn income in ways that fit your life. Training, tools & resources provided to ensure access to everyone.
Housing, Stability & Freedom
Explore sober living and affordable housing options today, with a long-term vision that can include rent-to-own and shared-equity opportunities. Financial freedom should be part of the solution.
Ready to Talk About What’s Next?
Reach out to explore support, partnerships, or how we can help in your city.
© 2026 Recovery Without Borders. All rights reserved.
Recovery Without Borders does not provide treatment, therapy, or in-patient care. We connect people to vetted professionals and organizations and focus on long-term recovery solutions.