Author: admin_bmedia@able2

Jane Caskey is a familiar, smiling face around ABLE2. Whether bringing in donations for our annual Holiday Party, attending events, or as a person the staff can call upon to contribute to their work, Jane can be counted on to support ABLE2’s mission to empower people with disabilities to build lives of meaning and joy. Jane has been a long-time supporter and advocate of ABLE2, has served as a board member, and is also a volunteer Ally with the Matching Program. 

Jane’s core values of community involvement and support mean that she is dedicated to the causes she believes in and can be counted on to be a leader in the community. Over the years, she has lived her values by recruiting individuals with disabilities to her work team, sitting on the boards of small local charities, encouraging her friends to donate to the non-profits she supports, helping her neighbours, and raising funds.

ABLE2 is fortunate to be one of the charities she supports. She believes that ABLE2 does “excellent work; work that was even more important during the pandemic.” She lives this by volunteering with the Friendly Caller Program and as a regular donor.

Jane knows from personal experience the feelings of isolation individuals feel, especially when they have a disability that affects their ability to get out in the community. She knows the impact that an individual can have when they freely choose to befriend someone who lives with a disability. The impacts range from reducing loneliness and isolation to helping to develop personal networks and relations, increasing self-confidence, to improved mental and physical health. Jane regularly donates to ABLE2 because she admires the work being done and understands the impacts at an individual and community level.

Dedicated supporters and donors like Jane further ABLE2’s mission of empowering people with disabilities to build lives of meaning and joy. Their commitment to building an inclusive community where everyone is seen as able, important, and valued, has enabled our vital work for over 50 years. We invite you to join individuals like Jane in supporting ABLE2 to empower lives for 50 more years. 

In 2019, Nicole was looking for opportunities to make a meaningful impact in her community. She came across ABLE2’s Matching Program and was drawn to the model of having a supportive one-on-one connection with a person with disability. She was first matched with Haneen, whose goals included improving her English and pursuing an education in Canada. From the moment they met, Nicole’s purpose became clear, and their connection blossomed into a meaningful friendship.

Seeing how this relationship had positively impacted Haneen’s life, her sister Sara asked if she could also have a Match with similar goals in mind. Nicole wholeheartedly took her on as her second Friend and has since then built a strong bond with the sisters. 

The trio began meeting weekly at the local library and coffee shops, dedicating time to practicing their English and sharing stories. We often hear about language being a barrier, but in Nicole, Haneen, and Sara’s case, their strong connection goes beyond words. With patience, creativity, and understanding, Nicole has helped improve Haneen’s and Sara’s English and social skills. With a smile, Sara would proudly say, “I’m no longer shy!” Both sisters have also felt empowered to pursue an education and explore employment, all while adapting to their new lives in Canada. 

Nicole’s impact extended beyond just the sisters; she became a friend to their whole family, providing advice, encouragement, and above all, a sense of belonging. In a time when immigrant families face an evolving landscape, particularly in education and job access, Nicole’s impact on Haneen and Sara’s family has been transformative. She has provided support for the family members’ goals, empowering them to thrive in a new country. The family, full of gratitude, describes her simply:

“Nicole is friend, family, she is nice, good, fun. A godsend— mashallah.” Nicole has truly made a difference for Haneen, Sara and their family. 

As Nicole prepares to leave the country for a new work opportunity, she is determined to keep her bond with Haneen and Sara strong. Through ABLE2’s Connect Program, she will continue meeting virtually with the sisters as they grow, learn and navigate life in Canada. Nicole’s commitment to remain a steadfast friend and Ally shows the lasting, positive impact that dedicated volunteers have on the lives of the people with disabilities we support. 

ABLE2’s Matching Program isn’t just about making new friends— it’s about life-changing relationships that foster growth, confidence and empowerment. These bonds create ripple effects that impact families and communities, made possible thanks to the generosity and kindness of our donors, volunteers, and supporters.

Your support empowers more individuals like Haneen and Sara have the tools and resources they need to thrive, gain confidence and independence, and develop meaningful friendships. We invite you to be part of the legacy of building an inclusive community where everyone is seen as able, important and valued. 

Donate today to build lives of meaning and joy.

Fran and Trina first met in 2017 through ABLE2’s Matching Program. Since then, they have developed a deeper and more meaningful friendship that is beyond a volunteer Ally and a Friend.

“I have never seen a match like this. Their friendship is obvious, it is not volunteering. It is nice to see a bond like this.”

Says Fran’s group home staff on Fran and Trina’s match. 

Both Fran and Trina have the same sense of fun and willingness to try new things. Trina says she has done a lot of activities that she would never have discovered without Fran, such as rocking to Roger Waters in concert, putting on their jerseys to cheer on the Ottawa Senators, eating lobster at Evening in the Maritimes, and seeing wonderful musical productions such as Annie and James and the Giant Peach.They are both spontaneous and always ready to claim the free tickets that are offered to Matches and they also get together for simple things like walks, food and movies. It is obvious that they enjoy each other’s company. In fact, Fran, who has limited verbal skills, is known to scream “Trina” when she spots her coming to see her.

The Match is not without challenges. Trina talks about using Para Transpo with Fran and how it is sometimes late and unreliable. However, the pair try to make the best of it by having something to eat during these times. They both love food! Another challenge is when Fran needs to be adjusted in her wheelchair. This is not an easy task, but they have a great workaround – they look for some handsome helpers! 

In May 2023, Fran and Trina were invited to talk about their experience as a Match at ABLE2’s signature fundraising event, Evening in the Maritimes. They were interviewed by then CTV News Anchor Graham Richardson and had a photo moment with former NHL player Jim Kyte, who was the chair of the event. Trina shares, “I wanted to do something meaningful and personal, and something fun. [ABLE2] was looking for people to be matched with somebody in the community with a disability for the sole purpose of friendship. Some people with disabilities may only have one person or may have no on in their life who’s not paid to be with them.” Check out their interview here. 

Trina truly feels she has met her goal to find a fun way to volunteer and Fran is so happy to have a friend.

For many people with disabilities, genuine connections are hard to come by. Often, their relationships are the ones with people paid to be with them. ABLE2’s Matching Program matches people with disabilities or “Friends” with volunteer “Allies” based on shared interests, so that they can foster meaningful and intentional friendships based on mutual trust and support. Yves and Erin’s Match is just one of the many Matches that have gained a strong bond through the Matching Program. 

Yves and Erin have been matched since 2014. They share a lot in common, and love getting out into the community on weekends. In the winter, you can find them cheering on the local hockey teams, wandering the malls for exercise, searching thrift stores, or having a coffee and donut at the local Tim Horton’s. However, they love summer the best because they get to enjoy long walks, exploring all the community events, baseball games and boat rides. And Yves will tell you that his favourite activity every year is after the ABLE2 Annual Picnic, when he and Erin pack up and go on a short road trip and spend the night in a hotel. They watch movies at night, sleep in and enjoy breakfast in bed. Yves talks about this trip all year long. 

When asked about their Match, Erin says

“Despite having some of the challenges related to his visual and developmental disability, Yves has such an amazing outlook on life. Nothing gets in his way of wanting to get out and his enjoyment of sporting events or concerts. His laugh and sense of humour are contagious, and he has taught me so much – to enjoy life’s little pleasures and to not let fears or challenges get in the way.  He has very much become a part of my family; he is always welcome for Sunday lunches and Christmas Eve dinners. He has had such a positive impact on my life, and I look forward to many more years of friendship with Yves.”

We asked the staff at his group home about his match with Erin and his main caregiver, Darlene, said

“They are really connected. You don’t see this type of connection very often. Erin is a very special person in Yves’ life. He lights up around her. This relationship definitely works, and we are very keen to support it in any way we can.” 

Yves and Erin’s friendship is proof of the powerful impact that intentional friendships can have, not just on the lives of people with disabilities, but on the volunteers as well. 10 years later, their bond is stronger than ever. Their story is just one of the thousands of stories that ABLE2 has been proud to be a part of over the last 5 decades. 

We invite you to support ABLE2 and join us in empowering lives for 50 more years, so that more individuals like Yves can develop meaningful friendships and build lives of meaning and joy. 

My name is Jessica Franklin, and I have worked with ABLE2 for over three years in various administrative roles. As a person with a lifelong disability, I was thrilled when I heard about the opportunity to work with a nonprofit that supports people with disabilities and their family members. 

My employment journey started with my ODSP worker who connected me to Performance Plus Rehabilitative Care Inc. (PPRC). They provided career coaching that focused on my abilities and taught me how to leverage my skills. PPRC helped me identify roles and potential job opportunities, leading me to apply for a position with Reach Canada, a legal referral service for people with disabilities. I volunteered and completed various contracts with Reach Canada for over six years, learning a lot and enjoying the experience of supporting the community and working alongside dedicated staff and volunteers.

When Reach Canada became a program under ABLE2, I heard about a new opportunity, a full-time administrative position. Although I had never worked full-time and was concerned about keeping up, I was impressed with the flexibility and support that ABLE2 offered. The organization made it possible for me to be a full-time employee by making sure I had adaptive technology and equipment to work from home or the office. This flexibility means less reliance on public transportation and more focus on work-life balance.

While I anticipate new challenges with my abilities and disabilities, I’m confident that with ABLE2’s support, I can continue my career path for many years to come.

Helen and Mireille were matched in March 2016, and like many Matches they started out a little unsure if it would work. Helen says, “It can be challenging and daunting at first, and it can take time to develop a routine and find your “groove” together”. However, she goes on to say that from her experience “there is no question that it is worth it, for the pleasure it can bring, and the positive impact it can make on each other’s lives”.

The pair gets together regularly. They love visiting the Greenbelt for nature walks and picnics. They enjoy having coffee together, playing cards, going to movies and getting out in the community. Some of their bigger outings have been to the National Art Gallery, MosiaCanada, and local events such as the Greek Festival and the Great Glebe Garage sale.

Mireille loves that from time to time she and Helen jump in a car and go off exploring together. Helen too enjoys their adventures. She also commented that she appreciates Mireille’s sense of humour, creativity and her passion to try new things and explore new areas of the city.

We asked them both about the impact the match has had on them. Helen replied, 

“Getting to know Mireille, and spending time together, has brought so much joy to my life! She reminds me to appreciate the simple pleasures in life – whether it is feeding the birds, having a picnic outside, or enjoying an art exhibit. She is a remarkable person, and I feel lucky to have come to know her through ABLE2.” 

And Mireille commented “I am thankful for being matched; my Ally and I share common interests. It has made my life brighter.”

It’s the small acts of kindness, shared moments between friends, and meaningful time spent that hold the most profound significance, especially for individuals with disabilities. The friendship between Helen and Mireille is a beautiful testament to this truth. Simply showing up and being present can make the biggest difference in someone’s life. 

When you first meet Cody, his smile and positive disposition make it clear that he’s surrounded by a lot of love and care in his life. He has a loving and supportive family and a wonderful community at the Journey Home, the group home where he currently resides. But like many individuals with unique challenges, Cody has his hurdles to overcome. Going to work, staying consistent with self-care routines, and keeping his life organized have been all too overwhelming for him. 

Then came Lilian, Cody’s Adult Protective Services Worker (APSW) from ABLE2, who has been an essential part of Cody’s support system. ABLE2’s APSW Investment Program, in partnership with Developmental Service Ontario – Eastern Region and the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) offers support to adults with developmental disabilities who would like to move to a home of their own. This was one of Cody’s goals when he and his family approached ABLE2 in March of 2023. 

Though moving out of the group home remains one of his long-term goals, Lilian has been supporting Cody in building the foundation to make that transition one day. He has an awareness of what is needed of him when he is ready to take that step, and that includes being consistent with his routines, doing well at his job, and being in good standing at his group home. Together, they have worked on planning for his future, as well as his personal goal of hitting the gym regularly to maintain an active and healthier lifestyle. 

Cody shares, “Lilian is helping me keep organized, helping me stay on time with my schedule, and helping me lose weight when I’m going to the gym.” His hard work and determination have already led to incredible changes in Cody’s confidence, attitude, and overall demeanor. 

Lilian says that she has seen Cody’s remarkable growth in the past year. “I’ve seen Cody become more appreciative of the people who support and care for him, more considerate of his housemates at the group home and has been working hard to do well at work. He’s also much more open and willing to go out and participate in social activities in the community, and more proactive about having a better quality of life,” Lilian shares. 

Chantal, a supervisor at Journey House, also attests to Cody’s transformation through the APSW program. “Lilian has been tremendously helpful in establishing goals and following up, to ensure that they are being worked towards. She has gone above and beyond to search for different resources in the community to best support the various needs her client has. She encourages and motivates Cody to be the best person they can be. All in all, we’re grateful for everything she has done for us,” says Chantal. 

One of the most important aspects of Cody’s journey has been learning what it will take to live independently one day. Lilian continues to provide him with resources like budgeting skills and understanding everyday expenses— skills that will empower him to take that next step when he’s ready. 

Cody knows that he’s not alone on this journey. With the continued support of ABLE2 and his growing confidence, Cody is thriving. His smile is a little brighter and his zest for living life is stronger. 

Cody’s journey is just one of the many stories that ABLE2 has been a part of for the last 50 years. Thanks to the generosity and kindness of our partners and donors, we can continue to provide direct-impact programs and services, so that more individuals like Cody can reach their goals, improve their overall health, and build lives of meaning and joy. 

When you donate to ABLE2, you are not just supporting our programs and services— you are making a meaningful difference in the lives of people with disabilities in our community. We invite you to join us in empowering lives for 50 more years. 

Show your support today.

By Rick Burns, ABLE2 Board Member

On an unseasonably warm morning in September, members of ABLE2’s Board of Directors gathered at the Stittsville Public Library for a welcome and orientation for new members and to discuss our collective roles and responsibilities for the coming year. 

To open the session, we were welcomed by the recently appointed Chair of the Board, Adrian Raghunandan. As both a long-term volunteer ally and board member, Adrian has extensive experience with the organization and has shown over the years how committed he is to its mission– so in other words – great choice! 

We then proceeded to roundtable introductions. It was great to see both new and familiar faces around the table. One thing that struck me as we introduced ourselves was that the driving force for so many of us getting involved with ABLE2 was a direct connection with someone who has a disability.  

We then heard from Heather Lacey, the Executive Director of ABLE2, about plans and priorities for the coming year, as well as an overview of the duties and expectations of board members. Thony Jean-Baptiste, a long-time employee and now Director of Programs, then provided an overview of all of the services offered by ABLE2. I am always struck by ABLE2’s range of programming, from its flagship Matching Program, the Fetal Alcohol Resource Program, the Funding Brokerage program, the Reach Legal Referral Services – the organization has come a long way since its humble beginnings some 50 years ago. 

We then received a “Finance 101” tutorial from ABLE2’s Treasurer (and professional finance guy) – Nick Korpikoski.  A key duty of board members is financial oversight, so while we do not all need degrees in accounting or finance, it is important that we all have a basic, common understanding of things like cash flows, balance sheets, assets, liabilities, and more. 

We then went on to perhaps the most important part of the meeting – fundraising. Led by a fundraising strategist, Margaret Miller, Board members were challenged to think of various ways they could support these efforts with view to ensuring ABLE2 remains strong and viable, now and in the years to come. During this discussion, it struck me that many of these ideas and recommendations for the Board could apply equally to all supporters ABLE2.  

I heard once that delegation is the key to empowering those around you. With that in mind, here are some basic ideas on how you, dear reader, can help: 

1. Give. Life-long donors are the lifeblood of community-based organizations – ABLE2 simply cannot operate with the generosity of others. For those of you lucky enough to live with financial security, even a small monthly donation can make such a difference. And if you do not have extra money laying around, of course – fully understandable – but keep ABLE2 in mind should your financial situation improve.  

2. Donate time. We know that life has been financially difficult for so many, especially in the last few years. But for those of you with more time than money, there are so many non-financial ways you could contribute to ABLE’s mission. If you have read any stories or testimonials or stories from ABLE2’s current crew of volunteers, you will learn quickly that you can get as much out of these experiences as the people you are helping.

3. Ambassador. So, you have no extra money and no time? No problem! You can be a champion and advocate of ABLE2’s mission in your everyday life. What does this mean in practice? Get to know the programs and services that ABLE2 offers and take advantage of any opportunity to promote its mission in your personal and/or professional networks. Amplify social media messages and be ready to tell your friends and family about what a great organization it is.  Be a “friend raiser” – point people in the direction if ABLE2 if they are looking to make a real difference in their community. And of course, if you have any uber-wealthy friends or family – be sure to tell them what a great cause this is (and then ever-so casually direct them to Donate | ABLE2)

And there it is. 

If you have managed to read this far, you are obviously committed and believe in ABLE2’s mission, so consider yourself a new recruit – congratulations! We thank you in advance for your efforts. 

By Rick Burns, ABLE2 Board Member