Best Buddies
Mission:
Best Buddies ® is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships and integrated employment.
Contact Information
Address: 708 Third Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10017
Telephone: 212) 209-3904
Website: http://www.bestbuddies.org
Location
General Information
Type: Special Education
Target audience: Students, Parents
Tag words: disability, disabled, special
Programs/Services
Middle School
Description: In today's middle schools, students with intellectual disabilities often learn in the same building and walk the same hallways as their non-disabled peers, but they are left out of social activities. Best Buddies Middle Schools is our newest program. It is designed to improve the school environment by promoting friendships between students with developmental disabilities (Buddies) and students without disabilities (Peer Buddies). In addition to the benefit of developing new friendships, Best Buddies middle school programs also give students unique opportunities for leadership. With the support of school faculty and Best Buddies staff, students lead and direct the chapters in their schools.
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High School
Description: Best Buddies High Schools pairs people with intellectual disabilities in one-to-one friendships with high school students. Without friends and family, we are alone. In the past, individuals with intellectual disabilities have not had the opportunity to have friends outside of their own special education classroom. By becoming a High School Peer Buddy, volunteers offer a Buddy the chance to explore a new way of life and feel included in the high school environment.
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College
Description: Best Buddies Colleges is the premise upon which the international organization of Best Buddies began. The mission of Best Buddies Colleges is to provide an opportunity for college students to be matched in a one-to-one friendship with individuals who have intellectual disabilities. Social experiences and relationships are a part of life; unfortunately, individuals with intellectual disabilities have historically been excluded from many of the social opportunities that most people enjoy. By becoming a college buddy, you will not only befriend someone with a developmental disability, but you will also learn about yourself in the process.
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Jobs
Description: Best Buddies Jobs continues the integration of people with development disabilities into the community through supported employment. This program assists individuals to locate and maintain jobs of their own choosing by providing ongoing support and training. Our focus is on developing competitive, integrated jobs, which allow individuals to earn an income, pay taxes, and work in an environment alongside others in the community.
Best Buddies Jobs has found employment for over 100 individuals in the Miami, Boston and Los Angeles area. We pride ourselves on developing jobs in professional environments. Our employers range from some of the top law firms and talent agencies to well-known retail businesses and luxury hotels.
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