Author: admin_bmedia@able2

Andrea has spent her life navigating the complex landscape of disability support—not just as a professional, but as someone who has lived through its challenges firsthand. Growing up, she and her siblings took turns caring for their father, who lived with a disability, while pursuing their education. This meant Andrea stayed in her hometown to share caregiving responsibilities while completing her post-secondary studies online. Yet even this arrangement created another barrier: she could not receive funding for her education if she continued living in the family home, as it would reduce her father’s ODSP benefits. To continue her studies, she had to move out and live separately while navigating online courses in a community where reliable internet access was still scarce. At every turn, Andrea and her family encountered barriers in a system that seemed designed to exclude those who needed it most.

“Growing up, I saw how hard it was for families like mine to get the support they needed,” Andrea shares. “Having lived experience in the system inspires everything I do.”

Thankfully, things have changed since then, but that formative experience would drive her into a lifelong career of advocacy. Andrea has worked as an Educational Assistant for over 15 years, then as a Resource Coordinator, helping individuals with disabilities connect to available government supports. Now, as an FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) Worker with ABLE2, Andrea has found a role where her professional expertise, passion for advocacy, and lived experience converge to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

FASD remains one of the widely misunderstood and underdiagnosed disabilities. This lifelong condition affects brain development, impacting critical areas including learning, memory, language, social skills, motor coordination, and decision-making abilities. However, because FASD is largely invisible and carries significant stigma due to prenatal alcohol exposure, it frequently goes unrecognized—leaving individuals without access to the specialized support and resources they need to reach their full potential.

Through ABLE2’s Fetal Alcohol Resource Program (FARP), Andrea provides essential education, training, advocacy, and service navigation for families of individuals with FASD in the Ottawa region. For parents raising a child with FASD, confusion and exhaustion are all too common. “When I first contact families to tell them they are off the waitlist, they feel instantly relieved, like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders,” Andrea explains. “Parents often don’t understand why their child behaves the way they do, and many don’t even know where to start or what resources are available to them.”

She recalls a foster mother who was at her wit’s end, overwhelmed by the lack of guidance and resources available for raising a child with FASD. “She told me, ‘You’re the first person to come into a meeting with solutions rather than asking me what I need.’ That moment stuck with me. It’s my job to meet them where they are and help them take that next step.”

Andrea’s role extends far beyond family support—she is actively working to transform societal understanding of FASD. Through her FASD 101 Training sessions, she collaborates with school boards and social service agencies to equip frontline workers and caregivers with the knowledge to identify FASD-related challenges and make informed decisions when supporting affected individuals. “I’ve had teachers and foster parents come up to me after my sessions and say, ‘I had no idea this was what FASD looked like,'” Andrea reflects. “That’s exactly why I do this work, because awareness is the first step toward meaningful action.”

Because FASD research and resources are relatively new, not many people are familiar with it. Andrea is determined to change that. “This is one of the disabilities that is preventable yet has a higher rate than Autism, Cerebral Palsy, and Down Syndrome combined. I’m passionate about bringing more education about FASD in the community so we can prevent the risk, but at the same time remove the stigma around it,” says Andrea.

The need for ABLE2’s FARP is staggering, with over 60 families still waiting to be supported. With only three FARP workers serving the entire Ottawa region, the program operates under a weighty caseload. “We’re trying to address a massive need with very limited resources,” she says. “But we continue to push forward because I know the struggles; these families can no longer afford to wait.”

Almost a year into her role, Andrea takes pride in working with ABLE2 to empower people with disabilities and help build an inclusive community for all. Her dedication drives the impactful and essential work that ABLE2 does every day. Through her role, Andrea empowers families and children to thrive, advocates for systemic change, and fosters genuine inclusion. For ABLE2, having a professional like Andrea—someone who intimately understands the systemic barriers she now helps others navigate—is invaluable. As a FARP Worker, her interventions serve as a lifeline for families working to overcome these challenges.

Why Your Support Matters

Through her work, Andrea is changing lives, one family at a time. But the need is far greater and there is more work to be done. With more funding, more resources, and more community support, FARP could impact thousands more families struggling in silence. 

No family should have to navigate FASD alone. No child should be left without the tools they need to succeed. 

With your continued support, programs like FARP can ensure that more families don’t just survive but thrive and build lives of meaning and joy. 

Learn more about how you can support ABLE2’s programs here.

Hi, I’m Jacqueline, I am the Fundraising and Events Officer at ABLE2!

I joined ABLE2 in February 2025, and it’s been an incredibly fulfilling journey so far. What inspired me to work in the non-profit sector was the fact that you can make a difference in the lives of others and be an advocate for people in marginalized communities in a very hands-on way. I am lucky to be a small part of an organization that supports people with disabilities and their families in such unique and impactful ways. 

Before joining ABLE2, I built my career in the non-profit sector, holding a variety of roles that shaped my passion for community work. I have been a Project Coordinator & Program Coordinator at Dress for Success Toronto, Fundraising & Events Coordinator at Christie Lake Kids, and Manager of Communications & Outreach at Dress for Success Canada Foundation. 

What I find most rewarding about my role with ABLE2 is that it directly impacts the programs and services we provide to our community. Without funding and donations, we would not be able to provide these services to the ABLE2 community. This can also be the greatest challenge because so much of our work relies on the funding and financial support we receive. The best that I can do in my position is to make sure that the mission of ABLE2 remains at the forefront of everything we do, and that the Ottawa community is reminded that people living with disabilities deserve the support, respect, and acknowledgement that other communities receive.

Why support ABLE2? Because it provides services to people living with disabilities like no other organization in Ottawa. Our programs are essential to our service users and ensure that they are getting the support they need while navigating systems that are not set up for them to succeed in the first place. We support people through our programs and services but keep them engaged through volunteering, community-centred events, and long-lasting friendships. 

We are so much more than our programs – we are a community! 

Outside of work, I’m a big hobbyist! My best friend is my dog, Honey, and I love spending my downtime doing puzzles, making blankets, reading, and watching sports. These little joys keep me balanced and energized for the work I love.

Peter with his Match, John, at the ABLE2 Holiday Dinner and Dance in 2012

I’ve been volunteering with ABLE2 since 2007, and the experience has had a real impact on my life. What initially drew me to ABLE2 was its mission—to connect vulnerable and isolated individuals in our community with volunteers who can be their friends and allies. That simple but powerful idea continues to inspire me.

My first match was with John, who at the time had no close family and was living in a group home. We became close friends. John lived with disabilities, and while I could support him at times, the real value was simply in spending time together—sharing stories, laughs, and everyday experiences. Our friendship lasted until his passing in 2019, and I still think of him often.

Since then, I’ve been matched with Dennis, and more recently with Larry in 2022. Each friendship is unique, and each one has added something special to my life. These aren’t just volunteer roles—they are real, enduring relationships rooted in trust and mutual respect.

In addition to volunteering, I also served on the board of ABLE2 for six years. That experience gave me a close-up view of the organization’s inner workings. I saw first-hand the dedication of the staff and the strength of the leadership team. Their commitment to the people they serve is evident, and their approach is thoughtful and effective.

As a long-time donor, I give with confidence because I’ve seen the impact up close. The funds are used wisely and make a tangible difference in the lives of people who need connection and support.

Being part of ABLE2—as a volunteer, a donor, and a board member—has been a significant part of my life. It’s shown me how powerful a simple human connection can be, and how small acts of friendship can change lives.

When Maryse signed up to become a volunteer Ally more than a decade ago, she never imagined that what began as an act of giving back, would evolve into something more. After retiring due to illness, Maryse was eager to reconnect with her community. Volunteering had always been part of her life, but the opportunity she found through ABLE2’s Matching Program turned out to be something more than volunteering—it became a gateway to family.

Grace had just moved to Ottawa from Toronto. With few social connections, she found herself struggling with loneliness in an unfamiliar city. A social worker referred her to ABLE2’s Matching Program in the hopes that she might find friendship and a stronger sense of belonging. When she met Maryse, that hope became a reality. “Maryse helped me get to my appointments, run errands, and just be out in the community,” Grace says. “She made everything better. She made me feel like I wasn’t alone.”

In the beginning, the two met weekly to pick up groceries, visit garden centres, and grab meals at Swiss Chalet. Grace, an avid gardener, shared her love of plants while finding joy in their regular outings. “We used to see each other more back then,” Maryse says. “But now, because of mobility issues, we still make time for a video call almost every day.”

Over the years, Maryse’s husband Ron naturally became part of Grace’s circle of support. They’ve stepped in during emergencies, attended family milestones together, and have been a helping hand. Grace’s son Ernest, who also participates in ABLE2 programs, is now part of what Maryse lovingly calls “our little Ottawa family.” She adds, “We don’t have close relatives here, so Grace and Ernest became ours.” 

And that love goes both ways. They celebrate birthdays and holidays, share laughs, and even attend occasional parties. “They’ve been there through everything,” Grace says. “Maryse was there when I was in the hospital, or just when I needed someone to talk to. Maryse makes my day.”

Maryse, Grace, and Ernest at ABLE2’s Holiday Dinner & Dance 

When asked how volunteering has impacted her life, Maryse says, “It’s more than volunteering. It’s enriching. It’s fun. It’s nourishing. You gain so much more than you give.” Her words echo the core truth of ABLE2’s Matching Program: while volunteers sign up to give their time and support, they often walk away with something even greater—a deeper sense of connection, purpose, and joy.

Twelve years after their first meeting, Maryse and Grace are no longer just a Match—they’re family. They’ve woven their lives together through the small, beautiful rituals of friendship: from holiday dinners to inside jokes (including the infamous day a seagull stole a hot dog right off of Ernest’s hand!). These moments, though seemingly ordinary, are what give life meaning—and they are exactly what the Matching Program was designed to make possible.

ABLE2’s Matching Program has been building friendships like this for over 50 years—helping people with disabilities and volunteers find the meaningful social connections that everyone deserves. But the need is greater than ever. Today, over 140 people are still waiting to be matched.

When you support ABLE2—whether by donating, volunteering, or simply sharing our story—you help create more connections like Grace and Maryse’s. You help transform loneliness into laughter, and isolation into inclusion. You help build a community where everyone belongs.

Be part of the story. Support ABLE2 today.

When Daniel signed up to volunteer with ABLE2’s Matching Program, he wasn’t sure what he was getting himself into. He thought it was a meaningful way to spend free time, but admits it was initially to impress a girl he was seeing. While the relationship didn’t flourish, he found something else that would later change his life. “I went into it kind of blind,” Daniel admits. “But then I spoke with the social worker, and she sold me on the idea of being someone’s friend for life.”  Daniel felt like it was a big commitment, but once he met Mark, “It just clicked.” 

Mark, who has had previous volunteer Allies, felt the connection instantly. “It was a match made in heaven,” he says with a smile. “As soon as I saw him, I just knew; this one’s special.” Their connection was immediate and genuine, the kind of chemistry that doesn’t need much explanation. Since being matched in 2023, the two have built a bond that continues to enrich both their lives—not just in shared laughs, but in the kind of steady presence that only real friendship offers.

Mark and Daniel at Evening in the Maritimes – May 1, 2024

Their weekly routine is getting coffee at Tim Horton’s, but occasionally, they also enjoy going for walks along the canal, swimming, and bowling— where Mark proudly dominates! They’ve made a habit of turning ordinary outings into memorable moments. One outing that stuck with Daniel was their visit to the Canadian War Museum, where Mark surprised him with an impromptu history lesson. And while not every outing is a shared passion—like the time Daniel brought Mark to a baseball game (“Mark isn’t a baseball guy,” Daniel jokes)—they both agree that differences don’t diminish the experience. “We found a million other things that we both love, and we have fun and enjoy each other’s company nevertheless,” says Daniel. 

Mark and Daniel, with another Match Russ and Vaughn, and Mark’s best friend Josh

Their circle has even grown to include others more recently. They’ve gone on outings with other matches, and even with Mark’s best friend, Josh, tagging along too. “I’m very proud of that,” Mark shares. “Because most people, when they say they’re a match, it’s just the two of them. But Daniel sees how much Josh means to me, so he comes along with us once in a while. And I love that it makes Josh feel like he’s got somebody too.” This is one of the quiet but powerful ripple effects of a match— how one match can grow into a broader social circle of belonging and trust. 

Another profound effect of their match is how Mark has influenced Daniel’s perspective. Mark, who has written a book on his life experiences, started a business and advocated for people with disabilities in the community— leads by example in every part of his life. Last Christmas, he brought Daniel to volunteer at the Parkdale Food Centre, where they spent the holiday spreading cheer to others in need. That moment left a lasting impression on Daniel. “I see Mark wanting to give his time to others who need it more than he does,” he reflects. “And that makes me very happy. I love it when people do that. There should be more people like Mark.”

When asked how their friendship has impacted their lives, Mark shares, “I don’t feel lonely,” Mark says. “I feel like I have another brother. He’s always there when I need him.” Daniel feels just as grateful. “We have a lot in common, and he’s incredibly easygoing. It’s been fun ever since, and most days I walk away feeling pretty good.”

Daniel, a tech professional by trade, has found himself transformed by the experience. “It’s given me a whole new perspective. You don’t realize how people with disabilities are treated until you’re side by side with someone navigating it every day,” he says. “Mark is so motivated, so full of energy—it’s contagious. It makes you want to be better, do more.” And Mark, always quick to reflect gratitude, adds: “He’s made me a better man. And I wish everyone had a match like Daniel.”

These seemingly simple moments—grabbing coffee, laughing over shared (or not-so-shared) interests, and making new friends—add up to something much bigger: a friendship built on trust and support, that makes the experience meaningful for both. “Mark is an incredibly inspiring guy,” Daniel says. “And I’m finding myself looking forward to introducing him to my girlfriend, my family. I thought this would be an isolated part of my life, but now after spending time with him, I want Mark to meet people I care about and for them to see what a wonderful person Mark is.”

Mark and Daniel’s friendship is just one of the thousands fostered through ABLE2’s Matching Program— a program that has been changing lives for 50 years. These intentional friendships reduce loneliness and isolation, build confidence and self-esteem, and improve mental health and overall well-being. These matches don’t just change two lives— the impact ripples outward into families, communities, and society at large. 

Today, there are still over 140 people with disabilities waiting to be matched with an Ally through ABLE2. People like Mark, who just need someone to walk alongside them. People like Daniel, who discover as much as they give.

Your support makes these life-changing friendships possible. Whether by donating, volunteering, or supporting our fundraising events, you are helping build a community where everyone can thrive and live a life filled with meaning and joy. 

Support ABLE2 and help create the next story like this one.