Faces of ABLE2
In August 2021, Liv and I were very excited to hear from one of the social workers at ABLE2 who thought they had found a potential match for Liv. Her name was Anika and we quickly set up a time for Anika to come over to our house to meet Liv. They instantly hit it off! They discovered they had many things in common - they both like Starbucks (very important since Liv will seek them out), exploring downtown, music and trying new things (which they have done plenty of on all their outings).
Over the last year, (during a pandemic no less) they have gone to the Museum of Nature, the Ottawa Art Gallery, a Halloween scavenger hunt in Westboro, the National Art Gallery, glow in the dark mini golf, lots of libraries to play games on rainy days, to Anika’s apartment, walks downtown, Anika’s parent's house and to see Sing2 just to name a few.
Liv says that they still have on their bucket list to go on a tour bus ride of Ottawa and go for dinner at Tavern on the Hill. Liv likes to dream big when they discuss getting together and what they will do, and she always talks about her friend Anika and is excited when they see each other.
Anika and Liv have formed a bond and become true friends. Anika has really made an amazing impact on Liv’s life and social connections outside of her family. We are so happy that this program exists. Anika is such an amazing person and has become like family to us. I am sure they have many adventures to come!
Roz Richardson
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