April 2024: It’s those little things…
In 2019, taking inspiration from Do For One, an organization based in Arkansas launched bEfriend, a new initiative aiming to foster one-to-one relationships between adults with and without disabilities.
This month, we were delighted and honored to host a team of their leaders—Ashley, Matt, and Sarah. We gathered a select group of long-standing Do For One Advocates and Partners to exchange stories of personal growth and learning over lunch.
Read below for a glimpse into the stories and sentiments that were shared.
bEfriend / Do For One Luncheon
From left to right: Sarah, Ashley, Sharaya, Matt, Andrew, Sue, Ben, Linda, Devon, Chantel
“As a mother…”
Ashley, from bEfriend, is a mother of six including a daughter with a disability.
“Your stories are deeply encouraging to me in my role as a volunteer at bEfriend but also in a deeper way, as a mother. It’s a scary world for a parent to see your child’s’ future, so to see how you guys are going way out of your way for your friends is beautiful.
It’s about creating a space where disability isn’t seen as a project or an inconvenience, or us trying to check the service boxes. As overwhelming as it is, it’s also the place I find the deepest hope, gratitude, and belonging.”
99 Balloons Staff & Do For One Staff
From left to right: Andrew, Jane, Ashley, Matt, Ben, Ashley
“It’s those little things…”
Sue and Erica taking a walk together during Covid in 2020
Sue, a Do For One Advocate, shared the highlights of her 4-year friendship with Erica (Partner) with our group.
“Erica is not the type of person who initiates conversation a lot, so in the beginning, it was always me asking questions and her responding.
Now she asks, ‘How are you doing? When are you coming to visit me again?’ ”
Prayer Request for April 2024:
PRAY for the parents of adult children with disabilities within the Do For One and bEfriend networks as they face concerns about their children's futures. Also, pray for Do For One Partners who lack family support, and for their Advocates who strive to offer the family-like support they need.
