“Too good to be true”—that’s how Tyler Eisan describes his experience working at ABLE2.
There’s a genuine sense of gratitude in his voice, like someone who didn’t just find a job, but a place where he truly feels he belongs. “A friend told me about ABLE2, and honestly, working here has been pretty incredible,” he shares.
Tyler joined ABLE2 in August 2025 as a Matching Program Worker, and in just under a year, he has become a vital part of a program that fosters meaningful relationships between people with disabilities, volunteers, and the broader community.
For Tyler, the work in the field feels less like a career choice and more like a natural calling. With a background in Child and Youth Work, he has long been drawn to roles where he can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
“Helping others is something that’s second nature to me,” he explains. “Sometimes people with disabilities require more support, and I felt I had the capacity and personality to do that work.”
Before joining ABLE2, Tyler worked with adults with developmental disabilities, an experience that shaped both his skills and perspective. That foundation made the transition to ABLE2 a natural fit, where connection and care are at the heart of the work.
In his current role, Tyler’s matches “Friends” or individuals with disabilities with “Allies” or volunteers who provide social companionship and support. No two days are the same, but each day he intentionally spends communicating and building relationships with the people he supports. He checks in on Friends, both matched or on the waitlist, finding potential matches, collaborating with social workers, and working with colleagues to strengthen the ABLE2’s mission.
“It’s a lot of back-and-forth calls and emails,” he says. “But mostly it’s learning about people, about what works, and how we can improve.”
But what makes the work truly rewarding for Tyler isn’t just the process, but the people he meets every day.
“What I find most rewarding is simply getting to know people,” he says. “Sometimes it’s as simple as going out for coffee and sitting down to chat.” Unlike his previous roles that focused heavily on outcomes and deliverables, Tyler’s role at ABLE2 emphasizes genuine human connection.
“Here, it’s about building rapport and real connections with the people we support,” he says. “It feels amazing when someone tells you they’ve found a match that really works. That they’ve connected with someone who gets them.”
He recalls visiting a Friend at their group home for what was meant to be a brief meeting. “We ended up talking well beyond my work hours,” he laughs. “We both lost track of time. It was just a great conversation!”
When asked about any memorable moments he’s encountered as a Matching Program Worker, he doesn’t hesitate. He recalls working with an individual who had long wanted to attend ABLE2’s Holiday Dinner & Dance for many years, but consistently faced barriers due to their specific care needs. Tyler worked closely with the individual’s group home and support team to ensure everything was accommodated. All the coordination paid off, and the individual was finally able to attend the event. The result was unforgettable, not just for Tyler, but for the individual most of all.
“He kept telling me how much fun he had, and how excited he was about coming to our next events. That kind of joy and gratitude really sticks with you,” he reflects.
Tyler’s role has also focused on strengthening the Connect Friendly Callers program, which is a virtual option of matching Friends and Allies remotely.
“Not everyone can do in-person matches. But with Connect, people can still form meaningful relationships, whether it’s through playing video games online or just chatting over text,” he explains. Since joining ABLE2, Tyler has already helped facilitate several matches, including hybrid connections that have opted to do both virtual and in-person interactions.
He’s also been involved in developing the GROW Financial Literacy Series, which provided valuable resources and education to help individuals with disabilities and their families strengthen financial knowledge and independence.
Like any people-centered role, the work comes with challenges. Scheduling conflicts and missed appointments are common hurdles, but Tyler approaches these challenges with patience. “You have to be understanding,” he says. “People have a lot going on. Being flexible is key.”
He also credits his team for creating a supportive environment where challenges are shared and solutions are collaborative. “We talk things through, share the load, and figure things out together,” he says. “That support makes a big difference.”
As Tyler continues to grow in his role, he’s focused on both personal and professional goals. He hopes to remain with the Matching Program long-term while continuing to strengthen and expand its impact. “I want to help set it up for success, and build on what we’ve already accomplished,” he says.
Having worked with several organizations in the field, Tyler is clear about what sets ABLE2 apart.
“It always comes back to the best interests of people with disabilities,” he says. “Every conversation is rooted in compassion, and everyone is open to listening.”
That openness, combined with a shared sense of purpose, creates an environment where both staff and participants can flourish.
“For me, it’s the first time a job has felt this good,” Tyler says. “And that says a lot.”
Recently, Tyler stepped into an exciting new role—father to a three-month-old baby.
Between nurturing meaningful connections at work and caring for his newborn at home, his life is filled with the same kind of connection he helps create every day.
Whether it’s through a simple coffee chat, a shared laugh, or a lasting friendship, Tyler is helping build a community where everyone feels seen, valued, and understood.
Congratulations to Tyler and his family on their new, precious addition!