Meet Glimmer

Geoff Anderson

Christine Anderson

Steve Anderson

About Glimmer

About

Glimmer

In 2009, I helped Christine launch Options for College Success, a non-profit organization in Evanston, IL, focused on providing academic and social services to adults with disabilities. During my time there, I had the privilege of working with dozens of students from all over the country. Around this time, dating applications became very popular, but we heard time and time again from the students and my brother, Steve, that they had not had any success with the options available. In 2016, we set out to change that with Glimmer. We have been humbled by the response from people all over the world. Helping people live happier lives has always been our driving motivation.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree with a double major in Sociology and English from College of the Holy Cross and a Master’s degree in Strategic Marketing and Communications from DePaul University. A lifelong Chicagoan, I enjoy playing music, traveling, spending time with my family and making new friends. I am active on the site, so please feel free to say hello!

Why Us

Glimmer Vision Statement

Our vision is to be the number one community for people with disabilities and families to safely offer opportunities for social relationships and support. We will continue to evolve to meet the needs of the community.

Why Us

Glimmer Mission Statement

Glimmer encourages and supports people with disabilities to build long-term friendships and romantic connections. We offer the tools for social interactions to be strengthened around shared interests so that individuals expand their social community.

Geoff Anderson

In 2009, I helped Christine launch Options for College Success, a non-profit organization in Evanston, IL, focused on providing academic and social services to adults with disabilities. During my time there, I had the privilege of working with dozens of students from all over the country. Around this time, dating applications became very popular, but we heard time and time again from the students and my brother, Steve, that they had not had any success with the options available. In 2016, we set out to change that with Glimmer. We have been humbled by the response from people all over the world. Helping people live happier lives has always been our driving motivation.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree with a double major in Sociology and English from College of the Holy Cross and a Master’s degree in Strategic Marketing and Communications from DePaul University. A lifelong Chicagoan, I enjoy playing music, traveling, spending time with my family and making new friends. I am active on the site, so please feel free to say hello!

Christine Anderson

As director of Options for College Success one of my responsibilities was providing young adults with opportunities for social interaction and encouraging friendships. We planned a multitude of social activities within the program and with other people who lived in the Chicago area and had similar interests.  I was painfully aware that regardless we had too many students who would be home alone in their homes.  I also was aware of my son, Stephen, having the same experiences. During family dinners I would discuss my concerns hoping for suggestions no one had offered yet.  One night I said it would be nice to have an online program for young adults with disabilities to have opportunities to develop friendships safely and with support.  The family thought this was a great idea, and my son, Geoff, who is very close to Steve, offered to work with me to build such a program.  So Geoff and I have been working together since 2016 with suggestions from Steve. 

Stephen Anderson

Although I have disabilities from an illness before I was 1 year old, I have always enjoyed being around people.  I want friends just like my brothers.  I have joined Special Olympics, bowling teams and friendship groups offered through my schools.  While it helped, nothing has met my needs to have real friends instead of acquaintances.  I don’t like being at home alone.  I don’t like going to the movies by myself.  I am excited to be a part of this project and hope my suggestions will help.