Like most people who have known Thony for some time, you’ll be struck by the quiet resilience and deep commitment he brings to his work. Since joining ABLE2 in 2005 as a social worker, Thony has played a pivotal role in developing the critical programs and services that have empowered people with disabilities to gain confidence, achieve independence, and build meaningful friendships. Now, as Director of Programs, Thony’s dedication and passion remains; his commitment for ABLE2’s mission resonates throughout the organization and the community it serves.
Before his involvement with disability advocacy, Thony worked with World Vision in Haiti, helping impoverished communities build resilience and self-reliance. This early experience, he explains, shaped his passion for social work.
“I have always wanted to be an agent of change in my community, to empower the most vulnerable to see their own potential and transform their lives,” he reflects.
When he immigrated to Canada, he saw an opportunity with ABLE2 (formerly Citizen Advocacy) that aligned with his values of empowerment and meaningful change.
Now in his 19th year with ABLE2, Thony oversees a range of programs, including the Matching Program, which connects volunteers or Allies with individuals with disabilities or Friends to develop a meaning and intentional friendship. The simplicity and power these matches have left a profound mark on Thony.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is seeing the real impact we have on people’s lives,” he says.
He recalls one of his early cases: a young man with significant anxiety, whose only support was his mother. When his mother had to leave for a week, the man was filled with dread, unsure if he could cope alone. Thony found him an Ally, and over time, that match transformed his life. He gained the confidence to move into his own apartment, later met his partner, got married, and even became a community leader.
“It’s stories like these,” Thony reflects, “that show just how much a little support can empower someone to build a life of meaning and joy.”
In a landscape where resources of people with disabilities are often scarce, ABLE2’s programs and services continue to be essential, but not without its challenges. Recruiting enough volunteers to meet the increasing demand for a Match, navigating limited funding resources, and staying financially sustainable in an ever-competitive nonprofit sector are constant hurdles, Thony explains.
“When I started, wait times for a volunteer Match were under two years,” Thony shares. “Now, they stretch beyond three years, as more people need support and fewer volunteers are available.”
Despite the challenges, Thony remains optimistic.
“We are creating a community where people with disabilities can truly belong, where they aren’t just visible, but included,” he says.
Reflecting on changes in the disability space, Thony observes a major shift in how society views disability. In ABLE2’s early days, the work focused on helping people with disabilities be seen out in the community as valued members. Today, the need has evolved from visibility to true inclusion.
“It’s not enough for people with disabilities to just be seen out there. They need the tools and opportunities to fully participate in all aspects of community life,” Thony explains.
This belief drives ABLE2’s programs, designed not just to support but to empower people with disabilities to engage and contribute in ways that are meaningful to them.
Under Thony’s guidance, ABLE2 is expanding its vision for the future. He envisions ABLE2 to be a key player in the disability sector and in building an inclusive community where people with disabilities are empowered to make their own choices, live independently, and have the same opportunities as everyone else.
“People don’t want others making decisions for them, and it’s not different for those with disabilities,” Thony says. “ABLE2 provides tools and support so individuals can advocate for themselves, set their own goals, and pursue the life they envision. It’s about inclusion, true inclusion— helping people live fully and freely as valued members of society.”
Thony’s long-standing dedication to ABLE2 is more than just a career—it’s a calling. His work has not only changed the lives of individuals with disabilities but has also enriched the lives of volunteers and staff alike. His leadership is a testament to the power of compassion and commitment, showing that real change often begins with one person choosing to make a difference.
As ABLE2 celebrates its 50th anniversary, it looks to the future with the same spirit of resilience and hope that Thony brings to his work. But this mission is only possible with the support of the community.
“Every donation, every volunteer hour, helps us build a future where people with disabilities can live with dignity, independence, and purpose,” Thony says. “We hope you can join us in creating a world where everyone is seen is able, important and empowered.”