Be an Everyday Champion

For Mark, most of his life was spent in loneliness and isolation. When people asked him what he was going to do with his future, he didn’t have a clear answer. When he joined ABLE2, he found confidence and a community of people who believed in him and supported him in many ways. 

Since then, he has achieved many things: Mark finished high school in his 50s, wrote a book about his life experiences, started a business, and even gave back to the community by volunteering at a food bank and at various events. Through ABLE2, he met his Ally Daniel, who became a trusted friend and brother to Mark. “Daniel is my Everyday Champion because he chooses to be in my life and believes in me,” shares Mark. 

“People ask me now, ‘What can Mark do?’ And I smile and say, ‘What can I not do with my life?’ My life has changed because I found a community that supported me and made me feel that I belonged. I met people who saw me for what I can do, rather than see me for what I cannot do,” shares Mark.

Everyday Champions can change more lives just like it did Mark’s. When you donate to ABLE2, it tells people with disabilities, “You belong here. Your life matters. Look what you can do.” Be an Everyday Champion for more individuals like Mark, so they too can tell themselves “What can I not do with my life?” 

Joelle has been on the social housing registry waitlist since 2010. Despite working full time and managing her own finances, she still cannot afford market rent on a minimum wage income. Her mother, Patti, worries about what will happen when she can no longer care for Joelle, who deserves the same opportunity as her sisters to live independently. 

With the support of ABLE2’s Housing Support Program, Joelle has learned budgeting and life skills, but without access to affordable housing, her independence remains out of reach.

“We had no help or support whatsoever until ABLE2’s Housing Support worker Patricia came. I’m very happy she’s stayed with me for two years now. I’m very happy that she helps me to find places and helps me with my budget… she helps me check if the bus stop is too far from my work… she’s working very hard on my behalf,” shares Joelle.

Everyday Champions empower people like Joelle to move closer to the independence they’ve worked so hard to achieve. Your gift will help more individuals gain the skills, guidance, and opportunities they need so that they can thrive and live meaningful and fulfilling lives.

When Tracy adopted her son Alex, she knew he had complex needs and started researching Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). There was an overwhelming amount of information but no support for parents like her, who needed direction and navigation for supporting individuals with FASD. With the help of ABLE2’s Fetal Alcohol Resource Program (FARP), Alex and his family were provided with tools and connections tailored to their unique needs, and received support within their family home, within Alex’s educational support system, and mental health resources, among other things. 

“We really felt very alone. FARP for our family has been life-changing. ABLE2 has helped us through some really difficult times when our family has truly been in crisis. And their help and assistance in navigating really complex support systems… they have been there every step of the process. They respond to the unique needs of the child, and for a parent, that is just invaluable,” shares Tracy.

Everyday Champions help families like Alex’s find hope, guidance, and the support they need to thrive. When you donate to ABLE2, you ensure no parent feels alone—and every child has the chance to reach their full potential.