October 2025: Say Yes. Ask What’s Next? Think Little.
As we enter the final stretch of our 10th year as a nonprofit, below are three stories, each giving rise to guiding mantras which tell a larger story about how anything, whether a relationship or an organization, begins and grows:
say, "Yes,"
ask, "What’s next?"
and think 'little.'
Plus, keep scrolling for a bonus story you won’t want to miss!
Say, “Yes”
Every “yes” marks a new beginning and invites others to say yes too.
Jane & Sharaya
(Matched in 2020)
Sharaya (right) says to Jane, “You saying yes... allowed about 12 or more people to say yes to one person, and that one person is me. Your parents, as they want the best for you, they want the best for Jisun Sharaya. How they treat you is how they treat me."
Sharaya with Jane's family.
Ask, "What's Next?"
Keep things growing by asking, “When am I going to see you next?”
Peter & Charlie
(Matched pre-2015)
One of our earliest matches began when Peter (Advocate) met Charlie (Partner). As we wrapped up that first visit, Charlie asked, “When am I going to see you next?” which sparked a friendship that grew into ball games, shared meals, and family gatherings. Their friendship began before we officially launched, and it embodies the vision that has guided us ever since.
Think "Little"
When you're overwhelmed, break it down into small, doable steps.
Jesse & Lenny
(Matched in 2019)
Jesse, an Advocate, coined a phrase we’ve come to love: “Even if just a little bit.” His friendship with Lenny grew through small, ordinary moments—baking cookies, making brunch, watching movies.
“His world has expanded, even if just a little bit,” Jesse says.
Bonus Story: 10 Years of Do For One
Chantel & Michele
(Matched in 2016)
Over time, these small beginnings have produced an abundance of good fruit.
Recently, Michele (top left) celebrated her 50th birthday, and Marion (far right) turned 76. Their Advocate, Chantel (top middle), hosted a joyful joint celebration filled with friends, laughter, dancing, and blue cupcakes. This abundance life was made possible by Chantel’s fierce love and care over nearly ten years of friendship.
