Best Buddies International

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Best Buddies International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies International has grown from one original chapter at Georgetown University to a vibrant, international organization with chapters in each of the 50 United States and in more than 50 countries around the world.

History

The foundation of Best Buddies International was inspired by the Shriver family's long-standing commitment to public service and advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, a commitment most notably seen in the work of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Anthony's mother, who founded the Special Olympics. Anthony K. Shriver recognized the need for a program that addressed the isolation and social exclusion experienced by individuals with IDD. He started the first program on the campus of Georgetown University with the aim of fostering one-to-one friendships between college students and individuals with IDD.

Mission and Vision

The mission of Best Buddies International is to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the power of one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development. The organization envisions a world where people with IDD are so successfully integrated into schools, workplaces, and communities that the services provided by Best Buddies will be unnecessary.

Programs

Best Buddies International operates several key programs to achieve its mission:

• Best Buddies Friendship Programs: These programs build one-to-one friendships between people with and without IDD, offering social mentoring while improving the quality of life and level of inclusion for individuals with IDD.
• Best Buddies Jobs: This program focuses on integrated employment, helping people with IDD to secure and maintain jobs in their communities, fostering independence and self-reliance.
• Best Buddies Leadership Development: Through this program, individuals with IDD are trained in advocacy and leadership, empowering them to speak up for themselves and their peers.
• Best Buddies Living: This initiative offers a supported living service that encourages people with and without IDD to live together in a vibrant community.

Impact

Best Buddies International has made significant strides in promoting inclusivity and reducing the social, physical, and economic isolation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through its programs, Best Buddies has created millions of one-to-one friendships and successfully integrated thousands of individuals with IDD into the workforce. The organization's efforts in leadership development have also empowered many people with IDD to become advocates for themselves and others.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite its successes, Best Buddies International faces ongoing challenges, including the need for increased funding, the expansion of its programs to more regions, and the continuous effort to raise awareness about the abilities and rights of people with IDD. Looking forward, Best Buddies aims to further its reach, deepen its impact, and continue advocating for a more inclusive world for individuals with IDD.