Best Buddies International is an organization dedicated to launching a global volunteer movement which creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, combined employment, leadership development and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This includes but is not limited to: Down syndrome, autism, Fragile FX syndrome, Williams syndrome, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury and others.

History       

In 1987, Anthony Kennedy Shriver founded the Big Buddy   program in Georgetown University. The program began as a socialization program getting kids out with their buddy two times each month in which they attend movies or sporting events. The idea is to create friendships that could last forever.Today, Best Buddies is world wide!

How I got involved 

              I used to participate in an organization called KEEN (Kids Enjoying exercise Now.)While there, a girl named Kristyn told us about this organization that serves people with disabilities. We really wanted to try it, so my Mom signed us up and we were put on a waiting list. In 2017, my Mom received an email saying that we got in. That was the first time I have ever been a part of something where I could meet friends just like me. I have been involved with this program for 4 years now and about 2 years ago, I was asked to be Buddy Director!

Buddy activities

              Over the years, I have developed friendships that will hopefully last a life time. I formed my first friendship when I met a girl named Alysa. She was a lot of fun to hang out with and once I got to know her, we both exchanged numbers so we could keep in touch and go on outings together. Our first outing was when I had the pleasure of having lunch. After that, we just walked around campus., I also had the pleasure of meeting a girl named Ellie when I accidently asked her to prom. Ellie said “yes” and it was super awesome! In that same year, I met another girl named Elena. My second friendship was when I had the opportunity to get sociable with another friend named Caroline. Once I got to know her, I found out she was apart of Delta gamma. Others I had the pleasure of meeting were Tori and Patrick. Unfortunately, Caroline and I both went our separate ways. I made my third friendship by meeting a girl named Natalie. I had the opportunity to meet a boy named Clayton when I was invited to go to Christmas at the Quad at SLU. A few of Natalie’s friends were there that I had the pleasure of meeting.                  

Group events

During my first year, we all attended a basketball game. I don’t think Alysa could hang out with me because she had to work it. In that same year, our group went bowling. During my second year, we had the opportunity to go to the St. Louis Zoo. We also had the pleasure to go to an SLU basketball game. My third year included going to the St. Louis Zoo again and attending an SLU basketball game. While at the zoo, I had the opportunity to meet new friends: Jessie, Inayah and Silvia. Later that year, I had the pleasure of meeting more friends: Amy and Monica.

Favorite events

              You are probably wondering what my favorite events are. Well, I have two of them: the Buddy Ball and the Best Buddies Birthday Bash. What is the Buddy Ball you ask? It is essentially a dance party where all the buddies get together and just have fun. I have also participated in this and we had food like: Chick-fil-a and pizza. The Best Buddies Birthday Bash every year to celebrate the organizations birthday. We didn’t have the opportunity to go until 2019. I had the pleasure of meeting lots of friends including: Delaney and Grace.

The Friendship Walk

              Every year, Best Buddies has an annual friendship walk. This event Is the leading walk in the country supporting inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I have participated in this for 4 years and it never stops getting old. This is always held at SLU, but sometimes its in other locations. This is a time to get together and celebrate all the accomplishments we have overcome. It is done toward the end of the year to give all of the buddies a chance to hang out before finals end and summer vacation begins.

            Best Buddies is a great organization for people of all disabilities. Even if you don’t have a disability and are thinking about volunteering, here is what some of my friends had to say about what Best Buddies means to them: “Best Buddies has introduced me to a unique group of friends that I may not have met elsewhere! I am thankful for Best Buddies and the Life long friendships I have made!” Elena Everhart

“Best buddies has provided me with such wonderful, thoughtful friends who make me smile every time we get to hang out!” Natalie Malloy

“To me, Best Buddies means not letting differences in ability act as a barrier to friendship and connection. Instead, it teaches us to love and celebrate one another for our differences.” Ellie West

If you would like to volunteer, you can do so by clicking here