Noor and Parissa: A Pair Made For Each Other

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.