Gage was reflecting on his friendship with Colin when he got another call.

It was a FaceTime from Colin—the timing couldn’t have been more perfect.

You see, FaceTime has been anything but a small detail in their relationship. In fact, it’s where it all began. Thanks to a mutual friend, the two met over FaceTime and hit it off. The calls continued, and by the time they met in person at a bEfriend event at New Heights Bentonville, their friendship was well underway.

“I blinked,” Gage says, “and all of a sudden, Colin’s a huge part of my life.”

Now, their rhythm is steady and familiar. They FaceTime twice a week to talk about their day, what they ate for lunch, and what they’re looking forward to. When they’re together, you’ll likely find them in downtown Bentonville, grabbing a bite from the For The Love food truck, jamming to Foo Fighters in the car, or savoring ice cream at Spark Café, always smiling ear to ear.

Their friendship is full of playful pranks and jokes that Colin delivers using augmentative and alternative communication tools. It’s also full of meaningful conversations, spiritual connection, and quiet moments where nothing needs to happen at all.

“We both find peace and enjoyment in being able to slow down and sit still,” Gage says, “being in a moment wherever we are, and making the most of it.”

For many individuals with disabilities, relationships outside the family are limited, centered around medical professionals who come and go. Consistent, mutual friendship can be rare, and that’s why bEfriend matters.

“Isolation is so difficult for anybody,” Gage says. “We’re all human. We all need that connection with each other. When it comes to Colin, he isn’t my charity work. He’s my friend, and when I’m not around him, I find myself talking about him all the time, and I look forward to the times we’re able to be together.”

Through bEfriend, friendships like this aren’t forced. They grow naturally through shared meals, conversations, laughter, and time. The program simply creates space for connection to take root.

“I’m thankful that I get to be one of the people in his life he calls a friend,” Gage says, “and that I get to call him my friend as well.”

NWA Gives is right around the corner, and you can help make more friendships like Gage and Colin’s possible. Will you join us on April 9? (early giving has already opened up, you can get a head start by clicking below)

Give Early