Indianapolis is home to a quietly powerful initiative: Two-Fives, a relationship-building program dedicated to bringing isolated individuals into fuller community life. Two-Fives serves as the Indianapolis affiliate of Do For One, the New York City–based organization that for years has focused on forging authentic, freely-given friendships for people with disabilities. These individuals are disproportionately at risk of social isolation and often lack the basic companionship many take for granted. Two-Fives firmly believes in the mission of Do For One and intentionally mirrors its approach by selectively matching a person with disabilities—a “Partner”—with someone who enjoys greater social inclusion—an “Advocate.” The organization addresses more than personal loneliness; it tackles systemic barriers such as a lack of accessible transportation, affordable housing, unequal educational opportunities, and unemployment—problems that were only intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Name Rooted In Connection And Purpose

The name “Two-Fives” carries a meaningful story. On a trip to Belize, its founders discovered that “two-fives” in Kriol refers to someone with whom one shares a close relationship. The phrase resonated so deeply that it became the program’s name, especially when conceptualized as representing both individuals in the match (“two”) and the organization’s foundational principles (“fives”), which are based on the framework of Social Role Valorization.

THE PROGRAM’S FOUNDATIONS AND GOALS

Two-Fives is rooted in values that shape every aspect of its work: Advocacy, Partner & Connect, Independence, Dignity, and Potentiate. These values guide the program’s mission to facilitate social inclusion through intentional, respectful, and mutual relationships. The model is not transactional or servicebased, but relational—building authentic connections that speak human dignity and shared belonging into existence.

The program functions under the broader umbrella of the LEL Foundation, whose mission is to make “The Good Life” attainable for all by bridging gaps of understanding and acceptance between disabled and nondisabled communities. Two-Fives seeks to increase the social determinants of health that so often determine quality of life, including belonging, connectedness, and social support. By addressing isolation in a tangible way, the organization improves not just relationships but overall well-being.

Building Relationships Beyond Barriers

Two-Fives empowers Advocates to enter the lives of Partners with empathy, flexibility, and shared intent. Advocates co-create the scope and direction of the relationship alongside their Partner, investing in their talents, interests, and personal goals. Whether it’s pursuing a hobby, attending community events, or simply spending quality time together, these matches are rooted in genuine connection—not obligation.

The role of the Advocate is not to act as a caregiver or professional. Instead, it is to step into a person’s life with the gift of friendship, responding to that individual’s needs and interests through an authentic relationship. Many

Advocates find that these connections enrich their own lives as much as they do their Partner’s, broadening perspectives and opening doors to new experiences. Some matches last for many years, while others are arranged for specific, shortterm purposes. Regardless of duration, the impact is lasting.

Amplifying Community Through Friends

To broaden its impact beyond one-to-one matches, Two-Fives invites Community Friends to support and enrich the broader network of Partners, Advocates, families, and supporters. Regular gatherings—picnics in the summer, game nights in cooler months—foster a welcoming and supportive community.

Community Friends contribute in simple but meaningful ways: bringing food to share, facilitating group games, helping with setup or cleanup, or assisting a Partner with transportation. These contributions might seem small, but together they strengthen the circles of support around people with disabilities and create an atmosphere of joy, belonging, and inclusivity.

Overcoming Isolation As A Collective Effort

Two-Fives addresses the pervasive challenge of social exclusion not by offering services, but by nurturing relationships that affirm value, visibility, and belonging. The organization operates from the conviction that every person has something to offer their community, and that when people with and without disabilities form relationships, everyone benefits. Families of Partners often experience greater support as their loved ones develop authentic friendships. Advocates find themselves transformed by the experience of stepping outside of their usual social circles. And the wider community grows stronger, richer, and more complex when inclusion becomes intentional.

GETTING INVOLVED: ROLES THAT TRANSFORM

Two-Fives invites people across Indianapolis to support its mission in two meaningful ways:

• Becoming an Advocate is one of the most impactful. Advocates choose to invest in another person’s life, walking alongside them in friendship. They may help a Partner develop new skills or talents, support them in achieving goals, or introduce them to new social opportunities. Most importantly, they provide a sense of belonging and moral support, affirming that every person’s life has value.

• Becoming a Community Friend is another essential role. Community Friends strengthen the network that surrounds these one-to-one friendships. They focus their time, talents, and resources on building vibrant gatherings, ensuring that Partners, Advocates, and families feel connected. By widening the support circle, they help create communities where people of all abilities are celebrated and included.

For those who may not be able to volunteer directly, there are other ways to contribute—through financial support, spreading awareness, or connecting the organization with potential advocates and community partners. Each act of support contributes to the broader goal of fostering a more inclusive Indianapolis.

A Vision For The Future

Looking ahead, Two-Fives envisions an Indianapolis where authentic friendships across abilities are not the exception but the norm. The organization hopes to expand its reach by increasing the number of matches, strengthening its community gatherings, and growing its network of Advocates and Community Friends.

The challenges of social isolation and exclusion are significant, but Two-Fives believes that friendship is a powerful antidote. By focusing on relationships, they are not only transforming individual lives but also reshaping the culture of community. Friendships, freely given and deeply valued, have the power to create lasting change.

Contact Information

For those interested in learning more or getting involved, TwoFives welcomes inquiries:

TWO-FIVES / LEL FOUNDATION

5936 N Keystone Ave, Suite 202 Indianapolis, IN 46220 Phone: 317-503-2001

Email: friends@twofives.org or visit https://two-fives.org/