Best Buddies International

Yasmin & Aiden

Friendship Program Participants

"I love to go out to lunch with my buddy, Yasmin, and play games in the cafeteria like Headbands, Spot It, and Jenga." – Aiden (featured right)

Friendship Program Participants

Yasmin & Aiden

"I love to go out to lunch with my buddy, Yasmin, and play games in the cafeteria like Headbands, Spot It, and Jenga." – Aiden (featured right)

Friendship Program Participants

Yasmin & Aiden

Robin

Integrated Employment Program,
Jobs Participant

"For people looking to expand their hiring to include people with IDD, the biggest piece of advice I could give you is: don't overthink it." – Michael Paley, COO, Klingman & Associates

Integrated Employment Program,
Jobs Participant

Robin

"For people looking to expand their hiring to include people with IDD, the biggest piece of advice I could give you is: don't overthink it." – Michael Paley, COO, Klingman & Associates

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Integrated Employment Program, Jobs Participant

"For people looking to expand their hiring to include people with IDD, the biggest piece of advice I could give you is: don't overthink it." – Michael Paley, COO, Klingman & Associates

Robin

Leadership Development Program,
Global Ambassador

Fran

"Best Buddies has given me an amazing outlet. I hope to inspire the next generation." – Fran

Leadership Development Program,
Global Ambassador

Fran

"Best Buddies has given me an amazing outlet. I hope to inspire the next generation." – Fran

Leadership Development Program,
Global Ambassador

Fran

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Rubin

Best Buddies Living Resident

"Through the Best Buddies Living program, I've learned how to be on my own, make better decisions for my life, and how to become a better person.” – Rubin

Best Buddies Living Resident

Rubin

"Through the Best Buddies Living program, I've learned how to be on my own, make better decisions for my life, and how to become a better person. ” – Rubin

"Through the Best Buddies Living program, I've learned how to be on my own, make better decisions for my life, and how to become a better person.” – Rubin

Best Buddies Living Resident

Rubin

Caroline Cardenas

Family Support Mentor

"There is nothing quite like connecting with someone who knows what you’re going through.” – Caroline Cardenas (Mentor)

Family Support Mentor

Caroline Cardenas

"There is nothing quite like connecting with someone who knows what you’re going through.” – Caroline Cardenas (Mentor)

Family Support Mentor

Caroline Cardenas

We are the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the
social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million
people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Best Buddies Challenge small slider banner

We are the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical
and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and
developmental disabilities (IDD).

We are the world’s largest organization dedicated to
ending the social, physical and economic isolation of
the 200 million people with intellectual and
developmental disabilities (IDD).

We are the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the
social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million
people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

A young girl with Down syndrome, wearing a yellow shirt and smiling while holding a chalkboard sign that says '#WithYou'. She is seated on a green chair. The banner includes the Best Buddies Family Support message: 'We See You. We Get You. We're With You' and highlights 'Eunie's BUDDIES'.

We are the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical
and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and
developmental disabilities (IDD).

We are the world’s largest organization dedicated to
ending the social, physical and economic isolation of
the 200 million people with intellectual and
developmental disabilities (IDD).

One-To-One Friendships

Two young men sitting on grass, smiling and enjoying each other's company. One is wearing a white T-shirt, while the other, in a blue polo, is playfully pointing at the camera. The background features greenery and a bright sky, suggesting an outdoor setting.

Builds friendships between people with and without IDD, offering social mentoring while improving the quality of life and level of inclusion.

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Integrated
Employment

A male Best Buddies Jobs participant working in an law office

Secures jobs for people with IDD, allowing them to earn an income, pay taxes, and support themselves.

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Leadership Development

A female Buddy Ambassador standing at a podium delivering a speech

Educates and empowers people with and without IDD, to be leaders, public speakers and advocates.

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Inclusive
Living

Best Buddies Living roommates doing laundry.

Providing a vibrant, integrated living opportunity for people with and without IDD.

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Family
Support

Family support and resources to raise a child with IDD.

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“Picture your best friend. Now imagine your life without that person. For people with developmental disabilities, the laughter and excitement of a best friend is only a dream. Best Buddies is a lifeline to the joy of having and being a friend.”

Cindy Crawford

Supermodel & Best Buddies Global Ambassador

“When a Best Buddies participant joins a local Jersey Mike’s team, they become part of our family and the community we serve. Hiring people with special abilities will truly change the culture of your company, as it did with Jersey Mike’s.”

Peter Cancro

CEO & Founder, Jersey Mike’s Subs

“Best Buddies is an organization that is incredibly close to my heart. Our buddies have the most loving, genuine spirits and always help me appreciate what really matters in life — our family and our friends.”

Olivia Culpo

Actresst & Best Buddies Global Ambassador

How You Can Help

Male buddy pair sitting on stairs with arms over one another's shoulders

Donate

Tom Brady and Katie Meade at a Best Buddies event

Attend An Event

Two Best Buddies program participants looking at each other wearing sunglasses and sweatshirts that say Best Buddies.

Shop

A Global Volunteer Movement

Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to nearly 3,000 chapters worldwide, positively impacting the lives of over 1.3 million people with and without IDD. Best Buddies programs engage participants in each of the 50 states and in 46 countries around the world

Find Local Programs