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ABLE2

Volunteering with the Connect Friendly Callers Program

ABLE2’s Connect Friendly Callers Program offers volunteers a unique opportunity to build one-to-one friendships with individuals living with disabilities. Through regular phone, video, or other online connections, volunteer Allies can provide companionship, social support, and a genuine connection that helps reduce isolation and loneliness, and foster a sense of belonging, virtually. 

Why Volunteer as a Connect Ally?

  • Flexible & Remote: Connect from your preferred online platform (by text, phone calls, video calls, or through social media)
  • Inclusive: Ideal for volunteers who prefer virtual engagement or have limited availability for in-person activities.
  • Impactful: Volunteering as a Connect Ally is as easy as building a friendship. By connecting with someone seeking social connection, you offer meaningful support with just a phone or video call. Many volunteers share that they not only gained a new friend, but also a fresh perspective on life—and for some, the experience has been truly life-changing.

With over 80 people with disabilities waiting to be matched, the Connect Matching Program will offer a more immediate and accessible alternative to traditional in-person matches. This program is especially beneficial for participants facing mobility, health, or financial barriers that find in-person engagement challenging.

How to Become a Connect Ally

 We are looking for Allies who:

  • Are 18 years or older. 
  • Live in Ontario, in the Eastern Standard Time Zone. 
  • Can receive a Vulnerable Sector Check. 

When you sign up to become an Ally, you will go through an onboarding process to make sure that you and your Friend are given the best match possible. We will give you all the information you need, and you’ll receive training and ongoing support, to help provide you and your Friend with a meaningful and enriching experience. Our team will walk you through every step of the way. Click on the headings below for more information on what you can expect from us. 

Step 1 – Information Session & Volunteer Application 

The first step to becoming a volunteer Ally with the Matching Program is to view the online Volunteer Information Session. This presentation will introduce you to our organization and give you an overview of our program.  

You’ll then complete your Volunteer Application, giving you the opportunity to express your volunteer interests. Our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you after, to provide the documents that you’ll need for the next steps.

If you would like to connect virtually to discuss your involvement, or if you require support to complete your application, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at 613-761-9522 ext 239 or volunteer@able2.org

Step 2 – Paperwork & Onboarding Session

After you have reviewed the Information Session and decided that the Matching Program is a good fit for your volunteering interests and needs, you can look forward to hearing from our Volunteer Coordinator to provide the documents and information for your next steps, which will include: 

  • Completing an Ally Questionnaire so we can get to know more about your likes, dislikes, experiences, and capacity 
  • Reviewing an Information Package on the Matching Program and providing meaningful support as an Ally 
  • Applying for a Police Records Check for Service With the Vulnerable Sector 
  • Registering for an Onboarding Session 

Once we have your completed application forms, you’ll be invited to attend an Onboarding Session to prepare you for your role as an Ally. This 2–3 hour training will cover: 

  • What you can expect from us, your Friend, and what we ask of you 
  • The impact that an intentional friendship can have on someone with a disability. 
  • Learning about different disabilities and how to provide inclusive, non-judgmental support 
  • How to set boundaries, navigate creative problem solving, and address barriers 
  • Common challenges and the different sources of help and support available to you as a volunteer 
  • The joys of being an Ally and all the ways you can look forward to enriching your life and the life of your Friend 
  • In addition, you will have the opportunity to meet other new Allies and ABLE2 staff to learn and share ideas together. 

Step 3 – Learning Conversation

This next step is a one-on-one virtual discussion with a program worker, lasting about 90 to 120 minutes. We will get to know you, your personality, hobbies, and interests a bit deeper to help find the best possible match for you.   

After your Learning Conversation, we will contact your references. Please notify them to expect us. 

Step 4 – Match Presentation

You will be invited by a social worker to a one-hour meeting where they will present several potential Friends. You will participate in choosing the person with a disability you would like to be matched with. 

Step 5 – Additional Training/Information Confirmation

All volunteers receive online training on topics like inclusion, accessibility, and understanding your rights. Please send your completion certificates to your Worker before your first match meeting. You will be sent a link, username, and password to complete the following training sessions: 

  • AODA Customer Service Training (condensed content) (32 minutes) 
  • Understanding Human Rights (AODA Edition) (28 minutes) 
  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) (20-30 minutes each x 3 sessions) 

Before the Onboarding Session, you are given the following policies and asked to read and sign them before your first match meeting: 

  • Health & Safety 
  • Violence & Harassment 

Step 6 – Match Meeting

Your Worker will facilitate the first meeting between you and your potential Friend. After the initial meeting, the Worker will contact both of you to check in on how you’re feeling about continuing with the match. If you are both happy with the match, you can now start doing fun activities together! 

For more information about volunteering, contact volunteer@able2.org