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Our Kids Network video highlights families and services for them by Herb Garbutt Metroland West Media 21 | Friday, January 23, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Every family faces challenges -- some unique to them, some common to all. Nadir and Sehba Faruqui and their son Haider arrived in Canada with nothing more than they could pack into two suitcases in June 2013. They were one of three families to share their story in video produced by Our Kids Network to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the International Year of the Family. Our Kids Network (OKN) is a Halton-wide partnership of organizations and agencies serving children and youths. OKN says families are central to the positive development and success of children and youths and are also at the heart of safe and thriving communities. It said the families shared their stories to educate and inform about their changing circumstances and how they are affected by the attitudes and perceptions of society. "We knew we would learn things about their experiences in the community, and we know the power of a personal story," said OKN director Elena DiBattista. "These families are not just numbers served by community agencies, they are our neighbours and friends." The Faruqui family moved to Canada from Pakistan to have a safer environment to raise their son. They made their decision after Haider's school became caught up in an attack. "By a strong stroke of luck we were very late for school that day, otherwise we would not have been here, or we would have been in different shape," Nadir said. "That was a very strong, major factor for us to relocate. And we are very happy to have made that decision. We are very indebted to Canada for having us, for hosting us." He said it was not easy starting over in a new country, having to find somewhere to live, get a driver's licence, find a job, make friends. The services provided in Halton were vital in helping his family get established, particularly the Halton Multicultural Council and Community Care Access Centre. "In one and a half years, Sebha's been able to get a job, Haider's integrated into school. We've been able to move into our own house, drive a car, have our licence. It's been because of HMC. It's a lot of help. The Faruqui family (from left) Sebha, Haider and Nadir are one of three families featured in an Our Kids Network video showing the challenges faced by families and the resources available to them in Halton. | photo courtesy Our Kids Network "Our setting up time, moving time would have taken a lot longer if these services weren't there." He said nine-year-old Haider also benefitted from speech therapy at ErinoakKids. He said that has made his son more confident and made a noticeable difference in his language. "He's even signed up for choir," Nadir said. Also featured in the video are Bruce and Kathie Callan of Oakville and their 17-year-old son Kyle. Kathie was put into foster care temporarily as a child. "As I went through life, I constantly kept going back to that experience," Kathie said. "Remembering that was part of saying, `I'd like another child to experience the same thing, and know that people are out there that actually care about you." Through Halton's Children's Aid Society, they were introduced to Kyle. After meeting him on Friday, Kyle moved in with the Callans on Monday. They are currently helping him work toward his goal of working with small engines. "He fits in so well with our family," Kathie said. Marcus Logan and Wayne Powell have been a couple for 26 years and married for 11. They have two adopted sons. While Marcus and Wayne understand some same-sex couples may be hesitant about accessing some of the services available because of fear of judgement. "What we discovered early on was every parent has struggles, and you need those resources and we've used them many times. And they've been so helpful, and in doing so, we've been ambassadors," said Powell. "We must continue to provide support so more families can both be involved in, and rely on, our communities. Each of these three families has been supported by agencies, schools, neighbours, friends," DiBattista said. "It really does take a village." The full interviews with the families can be viewed at www. ourkidsnetwork.ca/Public/Haltonfamilies-interviews. 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