My name is Babur Mobarak, I am the Community Settlement Program Coordinator for the Halton Multicultural Council. I have spent two third of my entire life as a refugee moving from one point to another in search of a safe and secure place. I still remember the time when my parents refused to leave our house despite of fighting and danger as they were waiting for their 16 years old son who disappeared one day and never came back.

POSSE is teens helping teens to stay safe and healthy. It empowers us to reach out on the streets to people our own age who are more comfortable with us and know they can remain anonymous.

The reality is that harmful activities are inevitable and we make them less harmful.

We meet in a safe and stable atmosphere; make new friends and tackle issues that are affecting us like sexual health, racism and classicism. Our youth magazine allows teens to express themselves openly. Those of us who volunteer are getting experience that will lead us to paid job opportunities in the future.

Live United – Just that, a community united together to help those that need it. To provide meaningful outreach programs that make a positive difference to individuals, their families, and ultimately to the community. What we do as United Way of Milton matters and it changes lives.

I have seen first hand the difference United Way agencies make. I have seen the smile, felt the confidence, recognized the independence. That's when you know that you are making a real difference!

Friday Friends is a great place. I get to spend time with my friends and make new friends. Sometimes we go bowling and we have fun. We also do arts and crafts for the holidays. Friday Friends is very important to me. Thank you to United Way!