Category: Our Stories

Fifteen years ago, Patricia was a stay-at-home mom looking for ways to stay involved in the social services field. A former colleague connected her to ABLE2’s Matching Program, where she would meet Sophia. Little did they know that this match would profoundly impact both their lives and that they would become a part of each other’s families.

As Sophia began to go on regular outings with Patricia, she also started spending more time with Patricia’s children. They enjoy watching Disney movies, having dinners at Swiss Chalet, and outings together.

“I have grown to love Patricia’s children like my own siblings, and I am grateful to be a part of a bigger family outside of my group home,” says Sophia.

In the same way, Patricia advocates for Sophia’s needs in her group home and has been recognized as one of Sophia’s caregivers. It’s remarkable to see how their friendship evolved into a bond as strong and devoted as that of family members.

It’s often assumed that volunteers are the ones giving – sharing their time and making a difference in the lives of people and the causes they support, but as we have witnessed with ABLE2’s Matching Program, our volunteer Allies gain as much, if not more, from their experience. Patricia believes that stepping out of our own little worlds and expanding who we’re sharing our lives with is a good thing.

She adds “Having Sophia in my life has given me more meaning and helped me feel more of a part of our community, and just feel more connected to everyone around us.”

What’s remarkable about Patricia’s journey with ABLE2 is that when she decided to return to the workforce in 2023, she knew she wanted to work with the organization. “I had a feeling it would be a good place to join, and I was right. It’s been a good place to work and a good opportunity to help more people in the community and help them change their lives as well.” Patricia has been instrumental in ABLE2’s Adult Protective Services Worker (APSW) Investment program, as well as supporting our events and planning committees. 

To this day, Sophia and Patricia continue to share many milestones and meaningful moments together, not just as a Match, but as family.

“I am glad that Patricia and I met through ABLE2’s Matching Program because I have been able to enjoy going out into the community, experience new things, and meet a lot of people. I know I can rely on Patricia for support, and I know she will always be there for me,” shares Sophia.

Patricia and Sophia at Evening in the Maritimes in 2022

Patricia and Sophia’s story is just one of the many that have been formed through ABLE2’s Matching Program. The intentional friendships created enable individuals with disabilities to develop connections based on mutual trust and support, engage in social activities, and live much more fulfilling lives.

Making friends does not come easy for most people with disabilities. When you support ABLE2, you help foster these meaningful relationships and combat social isolation and loneliness among people with disabilities. Learn more about what you can do to empower more individuals like Sophia to build lives of meaning and joy.

For many people with disabilities, forming friendships can be a challenge. ABLE2’s Matching Program pairs a volunteer or “Ally” with a person with a disability or “Friend” based on shared interests. This allows them to develop a meaningful and intentional friendship that are built on mutual trust, support and understanding. Noor and Parissa’s friendship is a perfect example of how impactful these connections can be. 

Noor was 14 years old when her social worker at the Ottawa Children’s Treatment Centre recommended that the family investigate finding a volunteer Ally through ABLE2. Their goal was to help Noor, who lives with Dandy-Walker Syndrome, increase her independence, improve her social connections and help her explore new things.

In 2015, Noor was introduced to Parissa who was looking for a volunteer role that would allow her to give back to the community. 

Noor and Parissa immediately hit it off and have been getting together approximately once a week. They both love to be active, and this has been the focus of their outings. Some of things they enjoy doing together are going to the gym, swimming and walking Noor’s dog. Noor really enjoys the time she spends with Parissa and Parissa feels her life has been enriched by their friendship. The benefits of this match don’t stop there as Noor’s family are so happy to have Parissa in their life and to see Noor flourishing.

Through the Matching Program, individuals like Noor are not only developing meaningful connections, but also gaining opportunities to engage and socialize within their community. The intentional friendships have a ripple effect, positively impacting not only the lives of the Friends but also their families and their Allies. 

Noor and Parissa’s story is only one of the many Matches that ABLE2 has fostered for the past 50 years. This life-changing work is made possible thanks to the generosity of our partners, donors and supporters. We invite you to join us in continuing this legacy by donating to empower lives for 50 more years. 

Neena and Debby’s story began 19 years ago when they met through ABLE2’s Matching Program. Neena was looking for an opportunity to create intentional relationships with long-term impacts and she certainly found this in her relationship with Debby.

Neena, who has served on ABLE2’s Board, took her commitment to the next level by becoming an Ally with the Matching Program. When asked what motivated her to volunteer, she says

“I’ve always believed in giving back into the community… I was looking for something that was a little more long-term, something that was more one-on-one. When I joined [ABLE2], I got to meet Debbie, and we hit it off right away.”

Beyond their shared activities, Neena and Debby are dedicated advocates for ABLE2, and have done their fair share of raising awareness and fundraising in support of the organization. For many years, they have participated in the Annual Ottawa Race Weekend to support ABLE2. In 2019, they shared their experiences as a Match at ABLE2’s signature fundraising event, Evening in the Maritimes. The following year, they came on CTV Morning Live to promote the event and talk about their special friendship. Watch their appearance on CTV Ottawa here.

Neena says when she thinks about the impacts of their relationship, she sees the effects it has had for them both.

“I help Debby by supporting her through the not-so-good times, being understanding and patient, being flexible, introducing her to things that may not be readily accessible to her, helping her find her “voice, to stand up for herself and in turn improve her self-confidence by being a good friend”.

Neena goes on to talk about the impact Debby has had on her.

“She has helped me in so many ways. I have learned to see the world with a different lens, the Debby lens, and it’s a heartening perspective. You see, Debby looks for the good in everyone, she always gives. She gives people the benefit of the doubt, she always wants to help, she provides joy through her singing and dancing. She truly sees the wonder in this world and in this beautiful life.”

Neena sums up their relationship –

“I cannot express how much Debby matters to me. We started off as friends and have become family. She is an aunt to my son, and a sister to me and my husband. Through ABLE2 I have met an energetic, capable, empathetic and insightful women who I am blessed to call a dear friend.”  

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.