Category: Our Stories

Rebecca works remotely as a Project Manager for a nonprofit organization, and describes herself as a homebody. But since joining ABLE2’s Matching Program, her Monday afternoons have become something she wouldn’t trade for anything.

When Rebecca first began searching for a volunteer opportunity, she wasn’t sure what she had to offer. Many roles were looking for skills that were either too niche or too technical. Then she came across ABLE2’s Matching Program. 

“What stood out was that all I needed to offer was my time. Just being there,” Rebecca recalls.

After applying through Volunteer Ottawa, Rebecca began ABLE2’s onboarding process. She admits it felt daunting at first, but she quickly understood why it mattered. “ABLE2 takes matching seriously,” she recalls. “They really want to make it sustainable and work for everyone involved.” 

Rebecca met her Match in late spring 2025, and over the months, their connection has grown naturally. Now, they’ve settled into a rhythm. Every Monday afternoon, they meet at the same Shawarma restaurant in the neighbourhood where Rebecca’s Friend frequents. Over the fragrant curls of roasted meat, they chat, share a few laughs, and simply enjoy each other’s company. After a couple of months, Rebecca was invited over to her Friend’s house. For her, it was a meaningful step that signalled growing trust and comfort in their friendship. 

Since then, their time together has expanded in small, meaningful ways. They listen to all sorts of music, work together on decluttering her Friend’s home, or sift through life’s joys and trials. Rebecca describes it as simple but deeply grounding. 

Early on, Rebecca would worry she was not “doing enough” as an Ally, or that the conversations weren’t always flowing, or that the outings weren’t productive enough. But her Friend gently shifted that perspective. “Sometimes she’ll just say, ‘I’m so glad to see you today.’ That’s when I realized, being an Ally doesn’t have to be a big thing. You just need to show up.”

Months into the match, Rebecca and her Friend discovered their birthdays fell just days apart. So, when their special day came, they decided to celebrate it together. “I brought her a meal she wouldn’t normally be able to access because she doesn’t go far from home. And the guys at the shawarma place surprised her with a birthday cake. It was such a joyful moment—just sharing a birthday with a friend.” Rebecca shares that it was one of their most memorable moments together as a Match. 

What’s surprised Rebecca most isn’t just the impact she’s had, but what she’s gained in return.

“I like having something that gets me out of the house regularly.” Rebecca shares. “I’ve gained a genuine friendship with someone I probably crossed paths with before, but never would have known if not for ABLE2.”

For Rebecca, being an Ally means being someone her Friend can count on. Someone she can call when she’s anxious. Someone to check in with during bad weather. 

“Being one of her safe people is an honour,” Rebecca says. “And honestly, it goes both ways. I’ve shared my own mental health challenges with her too. It’s mutual.”

Rebecca also values the ongoing support from ABLE2’s Matching Program team.

“The social workers really check in. Azra has been fantastic. It’s comforting to talk things through and know support is there. And Lenka, who did my onboarding, was great too. You come into the program knowing that you’re never doing this alone.”

For anyone feeling hesitant about volunteering, Rebecca’s offers reassuring advice: “Make sure you’re ready for the commitment, but know that once you’re in it, it won’t feel like an obligation. It becomes something you want to make time for.”

She adds, “Don’t put pressure on yourself about what the Match needs to be. Let it develop organically. You really just need to show up.”

Perhaps the biggest shift for Rebecca has been her perspective on disability.

“It’s not as intimidating as you think. You realize pretty quickly that you have so much more in common than you expect,” she shares.

On Monday afternoons, Rebecca is proving that meaningful change doesn’t come from doing something extraordinary—it comes from being present, consistent, and open to connection.

And sometimes, all it takes is showing up.

There are still over eighty people with disabilities waiting for Allies like Rebecca. If you can offer just a few hours a month, you can make a difference too. 

Learn more about volunteering with the Matching Program here. 

For most of her life, Kelly-Anne has heard the same thing over and over: “But you don’t look disabled.” What most people don’t see is her strength and the courage it takes to face a world not built for invisible disabilities. 

Kelly-Anne lives with an invisible disability. She has difficulty reading, writing, navigating directions, and math, which feels nearly impossible for her. Throughout her life, she’s also dealt with mental health challenges. But because there are no physical markers of her disability, people assume that she’s simply not trying hard enough. “People get impatient when you can’t count change correctly at checkout. They don’t realize that taking the bus is terrifying when you can’t always read the numbers or understand the signs.” 

Over the years, Kelly-Anne has watched resources go to others and experienced being left out of programs, always pushed to the back of the line to “give way for those who need it more.” She has had to constantly explain herself, yet never wanted to be a burden to others. 

“I learned to make myself smaller, to put my own needs last, and pretend I was fine.”

Throughout her school years, she found herself caught in the middle— too capable for the general support system for people with disabilities or not disabled enough for another. She was pushed to the margins, dismissed, and judged by those who could not see what she was struggling with. Because of this, Kelly-Anne became profoundly self-aware, learning to read rooms and anticipate rejection. She braced herself for the moment when people would realize she wasn’t what they expected. 

When Kelly-Anne came to ABLE2, she was hesitant. She was afraid to believe that the program would truly consider her as someone who deserved support. But she came anyway, because deep down, she knew she needed to try something different. She knew she wanted to find a genuine connection with someone outside of her family. What she found was beyond what she dreamed of. 

“ABLE2 saw me,” Kelly-Anne says. “For the first time in my life, I heard the words: ‘Your disability is real. Your needs matter just as anyone else’s.” 

Through ABLE2’s Matching Program, she met Maria— not just any volunteer, but someone carefully matched to her through a rigorous, intentional process. Maria didn’t just put in hours or go through the motions. She genuinely wanted to get to know Kelly-Anne and build a friendship. 

On one of their first outings, Maria made sure she got home safely because she knew Kelly-Anne struggled with bus numbers and directions. She asked her to text when she arrived, not out of pity or obligation, but because she genuinely cared. 

“No one had ever done that for me before,” Kelly-Anne reflects.

Today, Maria and Kelly-Anne’s friendship has evolved into something neither expected. “Maria is my best friend,” says Kelly-Anne. They explore the city just as friends do— visiting museums, taking pottery classes, and watching movies. They share a love for cats and even wore matching cat-embroidered shirts to their interview. They share lots of laughs, learn about each other’s worlds, and see perspectives they never would have discovered on their own. 

Maria has become an advocate in her own circle, helping her friends and family understand what it really means to live with an invisible disability. She’s learned so much from Kelly-Anne that she now educates others about disabilities people didn’t know existed. 

For Kelly-Anne, the impact runs deeper. “For the first time in 49 years, I don’t feel invisible anymore.”

When asked about the highlight of their friendship, both Maria and Kelly-Anne share the same memory: Christmas at Kelly-Anne’s home. 

Maria recalls it like stepping into a dream: “It felt like going to the North Pole. The house was decorated from floor to ceiling, and Kelly-Anne and her family welcomed my partner and me with open arms. We were showered with gifts and shared a beautiful meal. I don’t have family here, so spending Christmas with them gave me the warmth and love that made us feel like we were part of their family.”

For Kelly-Anne, the significance was different but equally profound: “It was the first time I brought a friend— my friend, not my brother’s friend or my mom’s friend. And it felt great for my family to get to know this amazing person who was my friend.” 

For the first time in a long time, Kelly-Anne had someone who genuinely wanted to spend time with her, not because of her disability, but because of who she was. For the first time, she felt like she truly mattered.

In the beginning, Kelly-Anne had doubts about the match. She reflects, “If someone doesn’t call you, if they don’t do that little extra bit… that’s when you have all the doubts in your head. You start wondering, did I do something wrong? Am I not good enough?” 

But Maria kept showing up. She kept choosing their friendship, even when life got complicated. Even when Kelly-Anne had bad days. Even when circumstances shifted—because real friends don’t disappear just because life changes.

Maria echoes this sentiment: “I really admire Kelly-Anne. She has her head up through anything, and she is the kindest, sweetest person I have ever known. Like, she makes sure that when we try out a new restaurant, there are vegan options for me. She shows up for me in ways that matter. To me, that’s what real friendship is.”

When asked what they’d say to potential volunteers, Kelly-Anne’s answer is simple: “Give it a shot. You learn a lot from each other, a lot of stuff that you wouldn’t normally learn on your own. It’s really a unique learning experience, and you meet some really fantastic people.” 

Maria adds, “I came to volunteer, but I gained so much more. The matching process was rigorous, yes, but it was absolutely worth it. This has been such an eye-opening, deeply rewarding experience.” She discovered that the greatest gift wasn’t what she could give—it was what she gained from truly knowing Kelly-Anne.

ABLE2 stands on the belief that every person deserves to be seen as able, important, and valued. Through the Matching Program, Kelly-Anne finally received this truth, and it reshaped her world: You matter. Your disability is real. You are worth the effort. 

But Kelly-Anne’s story doesn’t happen by chance. It happens because generous donors like you invest in ABLE2’s programs and services like the Matching Program. You invest in the rigorous matching process, the ongoing support from trained staff, and the infrastructure of genuine human connection. 

And right now, there are still over 100 people with disabilities waiting for their match. Waiting to hear that their disability matters. Waiting for someone to see them. Waiting to feel like they belong. 

When you donate to ABLE2, you help rewrite more stories like Kelly-Anne’s. You ensure that people with invisible disabilities finally hear: You matter. You are seen. You are worth the effort.   

Make a gift today. Be an Everyday Champion for people with disabilities. 

Written by Stephen S.

I am a retiree with 33 years in the Public Service who lives alone in my own condo. I am an only child, and my relatives fall into two categories: dead and deadbeats. Personally, I find the former more relatable. I had been on the ABLE2’s Matching Program’s waiting list for over ten years. I got so discouraged that I told the coordinator to take me off the list. Fortunately, he convinced me to stay on. 

It was well worth the wait. About three years ago, I was matched with someone approximately my age. He is about to retire, so we are in the same phase of life, the one just before the twilight years. I can rely on him in case of an emergency or if I just want to get out. We both have a wicked sense of humour, heavy on sarcasm, light on political correctness. Our favourite activity is eating and drinking. We have travelled to many small towns around Ottawa for a change of scenery. But our most frequently attended fine establishment is Tim Hortons. Together, we only need 2,368,450 more reward points before we win our own franchise! 

I have also used ABLE2’s Reach Legal Referral Services, which gives access for disabled persons to lawyers willing to work pro bono. My case was against the Ontario government. I learned from the process that common sense may ensure a moral victory, but not necessarily a legal one. 

Seriously, ABLE2’s Matching Program has enabled me to escape my social isolation and to share my hopes and frustrations interspersed with a healthy dose of laughter. I can think of no more worthy endeavour to support.

When Julie first joined ABLE2’s Matching Program, she wasn’t just looking for someone to spend time with—she was hoping to find a real connection. What she found in Olivia was more than an Ally. She found a friend who would stand by her through life’s ups and downs.

Before being connected through ABLE2, Julie often felt alone and struggled to make friends. Since meeting Olivia, she’s enjoyed going out into the community, meeting new people, and having new experiences. 

“This program helped me in a lot of ways. I was able to make new friends and enjoy endless possibilities,” she shares.

Olivia, her volunteer Ally, shares: “I love our coffee or dinner times, and she even got me back into doing art again. I am lucky to have met such a dynamic and funny friend through ABLE2! She is an amazing person and my family gets along with her too.”

Four years later, their friendship has blossomed into something truly special. From coffee dates and shopping trips to sharing laughs over TikToks and spending holidays together, Julie and Olivia have built a bond rooted in trust, joy, and mutual respect.

Their story isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about the power of showing up for a friend. The quiet strength of friendship, the kind that grows through everyday moments and shared experiences, changes lives, just like it did for Julie and Olivia. 

For over 50 years, ABLE2’s Matching Program has been changing lives, creating intentional, one-to-one friendships between people with disabilities and volunteer Allies. These matches reduce social isolation, build confidence, and offer meaningful connections.

Your support makes friendships like Julie and Olivia’s possible. By donating, volunteering, or spreading the word, you help ABLE2 ensure that no one walks through life alone.

Learn more or get involved at www.able2.org.

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! 

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. 

Sheena had spent years grappling with mental health issues, constantly feeling the crippling isolation and loneliness. “I used to be in the hospital every few months. It’s not always obvious, but people with mental illness do need support,” she reflects. In 2010, Sheena was referred to ABLE2’s Matching Program to expand her social connections in the community. “I’m lucky that ABLE2 acknowledged my mental illness as a disability and was there for me from the beginning. Since being matched with Colleen, I’ve only been hospitalized twice in 15 years.” Having a friend in Colleen— someone who listens, laughs, and shows up— has been life-changing for Sheena. 

“Colleen and I, we’re tight. She’s like a big sister. It’s nice to have this support,” Sheena shares. “And she doesn’t judge me, that’s the big one. I have multiple diagnoses, and she never says, ‘Why did you do this to yourself, Sheena?’ She doesn’t judge at all.” Colleen has been a steady anchor in moments of uncertainty and a lifeline when she needed it most. 

Colleen, a Special Education teacher at the time, had been looking for meaningful opportunities to give back to the community— especially as retirement approached. She learned about ABLE2’s Matching Program through a colleague who had been a long-time volunteer, and seeing how this one-on-one intentional match had a direct impact on the person with a disability, Colleen knew she wanted to be involved. Colleen and Sheena were eventually matched, and 15 years later their friendship is going stronger and deeper than ever. 

At first, Colleen saw the match as a one-way relationship where she would be supporting Sheena. What she didn’t anticipate was how deeply the relationship would enrich her own life. “It just made me realize that after so many years, I haven’t really thought about Sheena’s diagnosis anymore. She’s my friend, she’s my Sheena,” Colleen says with a smile.

“And I can easily say that I’ve gotten just as much out of it as Sheena has. I’ve gone through some big life changes. I lost my mom last year, and Sheena was very supportive through those times. Sheena is one of the stronger persons I know, and she inspires me every day.” 

Over the years, they’ve shared countless moments together. They’ve gone hiking in Gatineau, attended ABLE2’s events such as the Annual Picnic and the Holiday Dinner and Dance, and even found a shared love for Aquafit classes. Their bond has even extended into a larger circle of friendship, often joining other matches for social outings. Sheena shares, “I’ve been able to go out in the community and do social things with other friends.”

“I didn’t have that before; I didn’t have anybody. Now it’s better. I’m not struggling anymore. I just wanted to be happy, and now, I am.”

Sheena and Colleen with another match, Maggie and Madeleine at ABLE2’s Holiday Dinner and Dance

When asked why people should consider volunteering with ABLE2, Colleen shares, “It’s an experience that has a lasting impact on your life. Don’t be intimidated about the level of commitment, because you and your match will end up working it out for yourselves. It’s not an onerous thing to incorporate in your life. Before long, it becomes something you want to do.” 

Sheena echoes that sentiment. “The Matching Program has been life-changing and fantastic. I hope it continues so that other people get opportunities like this.”

Why Support Matters

Over 140 people with disabilities are waiting an average 1.5 to 2 years to be matched with a volunteer Ally through ABLE2’s Matching Program. Like Sheena, these individuals are looking for meaningful friendships—connections that provide support, companionship, and someone to share life’s journey with.

By supporting ABLE2—whether through volunteering, donating, or advocating for us in the community—you are helping to create friendships that serve as a lifeline that improves mental health, reduces loneliness and social isolation, and empowers individuals with disabilities to thrive. Be the reason someone feels seen, valued, and supported. 

Learn more about how you can get involved with ABLE2 here.