Patricia and Sophia: A Match Turned Family

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.