I’ve never been one for resolutions. But as I reflect on ABLE2’s remarkable year and look ahead to 2026, I’m clear about what we’re leaving behind and what we’re intentionally building toward.
2025 exceeded expectations in ways I didn’t anticipate.
We hit our revenue goal by Q3, well ahead of the Q4 period that typically carries our fundraising. We earned three times more in media features than the previous year, further amplifying disability voices across the region. We said yes to non-traditional partnerships— including a Twitch gamer who raised over $1,300 in a 13-hour livestream— and deepened relationships with long-time supporters. We showed up where our community gathered, from Capital PRIDE to professional roundtables. And our transition to fully remote operations, which seemed risky to others, became one of our greatest strengths— allowing us to meet people where they are, when they need us, unconfined by physical walls or office hours.
But perhaps the most meaningful transformation was how we showed up for the people we support.
We reduced our Matching Program waitlist by 26%, which meant that individuals who had been waiting years were finally matched with their Allies. The Fetal Alcohol Resource Program (FARP) saw wait times fall by 67%, and children, youth and their families received help almost 19 months sooner. Our Funding Brokerage services served nearly 80% more clients, and our Housing Support program supported 140% more in 2025 compared to the previous year.
The data reveals how much greater our impact can be when we streamline our programs, strengthen the quality of our delivery, and let data guide smarter, more intentional decisions.
2025 showed us what’s possible when we choose evolution over ‘what works’.
Now here’s what we’re committed to for 2026.
What’s out: Hustle-culture as a badge of honour
What’s in: Staff wellbeing as a strategic priority that supports sustainable, meaningful work
Burnout should never be the cost of commitment. When staff have what they need—resources, support, mental health care, compassion—they can show up fully for the community better. Wellbeing isn’t a perk. It’s infrastructure.
Leading with care for our team means they can lead with care for the people we support.
What’s out: Relying on ‘what’s always worked’
What’s in: Creativity, visibility & community-driven engagement
Marketing & communications aren’t just for vanity. It’s how the community discovers what we offer, understands our impact, and finds meaningful ways to get involved.
In 2026, we’re expanding our communications footprint—building partnerships with community voices, exploring influencer collaborations, and engaging in digital spaces like gaming livestreams where authentic connection already thrives. We’ve seen the power of these unconventional approaches. Now we’re ready to maximize them.
We’re also being intentional about where we focus our time and resources: investing in programs with strong potential and pursuing grants that align closely with our mission and strengths.
These choices ensure our impact is not only felt—but seen, understood, and championed.
What’s out: Being the default decision-maker and feeling responsible for every answer and every call
What’s in: Human-centered leadership—leading with care, listening deeply, and learning alongside my team
I learn something every day from my team, from the people we support, and from taking risks that stretch what’s possible. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about creating space for others to shine, listening deeply, and staying curious enough to keep growing.
I’m not perfect, and I don’t need to be.
What I am committed to is learning continuously, refining how I lead, and adapting to a world that changes faster than any one person can keep up with. My team challenges me, teaches me, and inspires me, and that shared growth is what makes our work stronger.
These aren’t resolutions, but commitments rooted in what 2025 proved possible.
We’re investing in people—our staff and our community.
We’re investing in bold strategies that reflect how the world actually works today.
We’re investing in our evolution as an organization committed to sustainable, innovative, courageous disability advocacy.
The disability community deserves a champion that shows up boldly—online, in person, and everywhere people gather. That means taking care of our team, diversifying the way we resource our work, and being fearless about trying new approaches.
2025 showed us we can achieve remarkable things when we’re willing to adapt.
2026 is about doing those things with intention, investment, and care.
What are you leaving behind this year? What are you investing in?
Published by
Experienced Non-Profit Executive Director