Matching programs
Can loneliness be cured? Can isolation be eradicated? Can companionship be available to everybody? We think so. And we're working towards these goals one person at a time.
Citizen Advocacy is dedicated to helping people with disabilities participate fully in community life. We do this by matching a volunteer advocate one-on-one to a person with a disability. Matches participate weekly in activities they both enjoy, planning what they'll do and when they'll do it at their own convenience.
Since 1974, Citizen Advocacy of Ottawa has supported over 2,000 people with disabilities and touched the lives of many more. Because Citizen Advocacy and our volunteer advocates work at an individual level, directly with the people we support, the impact is felt on a personal as well as a community level.
Volunteer advocates help increase the self-esteem and self-confidence of persons with disabilities so that they can develop a better sense of overall health. This translates into less dependency and a reduction in the use of costly health and social services.
There are more than 250 men and women across Ottawa waiting, on average, 2 years to be matched with a volunteer advocate.
We'd like to diminish those numbers so that nobody's lonely, nobody's isolated, and everybody has a friend.
What program suits you?
Whether you're a prospective volunteer advocate or a person with a disability looking for support, there are three Citizen Advocacy programs you can belong to.
Everyday Champions One-On-One Match
This program makes one-on-one matches between a volunteer advocate and a child, youth, adult, or senior with a disability. It can be as simple as playing cards, shooting pool, watching a movie, or just sharing a cup of coffee. Volunteer advocates may also support their match partner in making and carrying out their choices on how they live their lives.
Everyday Champions Group Home Match
This program supports group home residents who have a disability. Volunteer advocates visit residents three or four times a month and enjoy engaging in conversation and games, listening to music, going for walks, and promoting good quality of life.
Chance for Choice for Older Adults
This program matches older people with disabilities who are isolated and vulnerable with volunteer advocates in one-on-one long-term relationships. This builds a regular link to the community and reduces isolation. Volunteer advocates support the older person in making and carrying out their choices on how they live their lives. This support reduces a person's vulnerability and increases his/her quality of life.
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