The Matching Program connects a person living with a disability (Friend) to a volunteer (Ally) on a one-to-one basis in an intentional match.
People need people and the Matching Program recognizes this and the impact that social connections in all our lives. While professional supports are important, there is significant value in having someone in your life who voluntarily chooses to be a part of your life. Our volunteers are not experts or professionals – they are just people who care and want to spend time with you.
We see profound differences in the lives of people with a disability when they are in a match. These may include reduced loneliness and isolation, working towards or achieving hopes and dreams, developing personal networks and relationships, decreased vulnerability, increased self-confidence and improved mental and physical health.
The Matching Program is unique in that it welcomes people of any age or disability – physical, developmental, neurodevelopmental, intellectual, mental health, age-related and multiple diagnoses challenges.
As a Friend, all we ask is that you do your best to contact and spend time with your volunteer. You and your Ally decide together what you want to do. Whether it is going on walks outside of the house or to a movie or learning a new skill, you decide and work on them together.
For more information about this program please contact info@able2.org or call 613-761-9522.
Matching Connect Program – Spend time virtually with a volunteer
The Matching Connect Program fosters meaningful one-to-one friendships by pairing individuals with disabilities with volunteer Allies through phone and/or video calls. This virtual model offers a more accessible alternative to traditional in-person matches, especially for those facing mobility, health, or financial barriers. The Matching Connect Program provides immediate social support and helps build lasting connections within the disability community.
The Matching Connect Program is funded in part through a grant from The Ontario Trillium Foundation. Learn more about the grant here.
For more information about this program please contact info@able2.org or call 613-761-9522.
Patricia and Sophia: A Match Turned Family
Fifteen years ago, Patricia was a stay-at-home mom looking for ways to stay involved in the social services field. A former colleague connected her to ABLE2’s Matching Program, where she would meet Sophia. Little did they know that this match would profoundly impact both their lives and that they would become a part of each other’s families.
As Sophia began to go on regular outings with Patricia, she also started spending more time with Patricia’s children. They enjoy watching Disney movies, having dinners at Swiss Chalet, and outings together.
Read more about Patricia and Sophia’s friendship here.
Volunteer to make a real difference in your community as we work to reduce loneliness and isolation one person at a time.
Seven years ago, Grace was a newcomer to Ottawa, and she was feeling lonely as she had left her friends in Toronto. She heard about ABLE2’s ?Matching Program and decided it would be a good way for her to get to know someone.
When Grace and Maryse were first matched it was just a visit over a cup of coffee. As time went on Maryse saw more ways she could help Grace and she had the time. Maryse provided lots of practical help to Grace as she navigated a new city such as helping her get to doctor’s appointments. Now, they both say their visits are all about having fun.
When asked what her friendship with Grace means to her Maryse said “I love Grace so much. She is part of my life, part of my Ottawa family. I share everything with her. It is a great friendship”. And when Grace was asked about Maryse she just smiled and said, “she makes my day”.
Read more about Grace and Maryse’s friendship here.
Interested in volunteering?
When you volunteer, you are making a profound impact by reducing loneliness and isolation, increasing self-confidence, and improving the overall mental and physical health of people with disabilities in the community.
In the past year, over 170 people with disabilities have been waiting for a volunteer. The biggest wish of people with disabilities on our waiting list? Have someone to meet for a coffee!
If you enjoy spending time with people and have an hour or two available each week, we invite you to contact us. As a volunteer Ally, you need to be over the age of 18 and make a minimum commitment of 12 months to this role. ABLE2’s program provides full training, preparation, and ongoing support throughout your match. [Note: Your status in Canada may affect your ability to make this commitment e.g. visitor visa, student visa, refugee claimant]. Preparation and ongoing support are provided.
Volunteering will change the life of a person living with disability, and as many of our volunteers have experienced, will change your life too.
Ready to become an Ally? Learn more about becoming a volunteer with the Matching Program here.
The Matching Program is funded in part by the City of Ottawa, Government of Ontario – Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, United Way (East Ontario), Ontario Trillium Foundation, The McKay Cross Foundation, Hydro One and Harry E. Foster Foundation.
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Learn more about ABLE2’s stories from program users, volunteers, and community advocates.
Volunteer
When you volunteer, you help reduce loneliness and social isolation experienced by many people with disabilities in the community. Learn more about volunteering with ABLE2 here.