A Year of Friendship, Growth, and Cheeseburgers: Melanie & Lianna’s Inspiring Match

Melanie and Lianna have been matched in our community-based program for a year now—and what a wonderful year it’s been! Their match recently hit the one-year milestone, and the bond they’ve built is something truly special.

Over the past year, Melanie and Lianna have met regularly and enjoyed a variety of fun and meaningful activities. From volunteering side by side and hiking local trails, to cooking meals together at Melanie’s house and diving into good books, they’ve made countless memories. One of their recent highlights? Making burgers and cheese fries together—a delicious reward for their teamwork!

The pair also set a goal to finish a book together before Lianna’s birthday in June, and Lianna proudly shared that they’re on track to reach it. Melanie has been a steady source of encouragement, helping Lianna stay focused and motivated. Their Match Support Specialist shared that she’s thrilled with how the match is going and deeply grateful for Melanie’s support and dedication.

Lianna is excited to continue spending time with Melanie, especially with summer around the corner. When asked what she loves most about Melanie, Lianna said, “She is friendly, kind, and really pretty.” One of her favorite outings? Spending time with Melanie’s dog, who’s become a lovable part of their adventures.

Melanie and Lianna’s story is a heartwarming reminder of the power of connection, commitment, and a little bit of cheesy goodness. Here's to many more outings and shared goals ahead!