“The only thing that made me leave the bed was coming to MOSAIC. I used to count the days. I wished it could be two gatherings a week instead of one.”
When Baari arrived in Canada from Uganda in November 2024, life felt heavy with grief and uncertainty. They had gone through a painful loss shortly before immigrating and were struggling with depression and loneliness. “I was just hoping the change of environment would help me,” they said.
In those early months, Baari spent most days alone, unsure where to start or how to find connection. “I didn’t have friends. I didn’t know anyone. I just wanted to find people like me, to feel some sense of belonging,” they recalled.
Everything began to change the Monday Baari walked into MOSAIC’s Vancouver office to see Suzy Sharaf, Support Worker of I Belong Program. From their very first conversation, Baari felt seen and understood.
“She understood everything. My language, my culture, my pain,” said Baari. “That day changed my life.”
Finding Support and Healing
Later that same day, Suzy invited Baari to the program’s Monday gathering, where they met other 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomers for the first time. It was a moment of recognition and relief. Hearing others introduce themselves and share their pronouns made Baari realize that they were finally safe to be themselves.
Over the next several months, I Belong became an anchor in their new life, a space where empathy, counselling, and friendship began to replace isolation. The weekly gatherings became a rhythm that gave structure to their days and meaning to their weeks. Through one-on-one support and therapy, Baari found strength, community, and hope again.
Within that caring circle, they began to rebuild confidence and look ahead to the future — a future that once felt out of reach.
Embracing Freedom and Pride
Back in Uganda, being part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community was forbidden and frightening. In Canada, Baari finally felt what it meant to live freely.
“I can wear whatever I want, and do whatever I want,” they said. “Freedom is just a basic need, like food or water. I got that when I came here, and I’m so happy.”
Stories like Baari’s echo across MOSAIC’s I Belong program, where many participants describe finding both safety and confidence through community connection, counselling, and peer support. Each story, like Baari’s, is a reminder of how belonging can transform lives.
Among Baari’s most cherished memories is marching with MOSAIC’s team at the Vancouver Pride Parade. “It was my first-ever Pride,” they said with a smile. “I was taking pictures everywhere because I was so happy and overwhelmed with joy that day. It was my happiest day in Canada.” That celebration marked a turning point, a day when fear gave way to pride and loneliness to joy.
Giving Back and Moving Forward
Through Suzy’s guidance, Baari joined the Health Career Access Program and was accepted by Vancouver Coastal Health, now studying toward a career in health care. For Baari, it’s a way to transform the care they once received into care for others.
“I was helped, and now I want to help others,” they said. “That’s what makes me feel happy.”
But Baari’s commitment to giving back extends far beyond the classroom. In just one year, they have volunteered across Metro Vancouver — with Surrey Library, Tri-Cities Pride, the Salvation Army, and the Downtown Women’s Centre. Every role, they said, is a chance to connect and contribute.
Their enthusiasm and service reflect a truth often overlooked: newcomers don’t only seek support, they strengthen the communities that welcome them. Baari arrived carrying pain, but today they give back with hope, compassion, and pride.
When asked what I Belong means to them, Baari smiled.
“Please join the program. It will help you. You will feel that you belong to the Canadian community. When you are there, you have your own group of people. You feel like, ah, I belong.”
