Best Buddies Indiana

Best Buddies is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant, international organization that has grown from one original chapter to more than 1,400 college, high school and middle school campuses across the country and internationally. Best Buddies programs engage participants in each of the 50 United States. We have accredited international programs on six continents with additional country programs under active development. Best Buddies Indiana has programs at 49 high schools and 16 colleges across the state. Best Buddies High Schools matches students in the Special Education in one-to-one friendships with their non-disabled peers. Best Buddies Colleges matches college student volunteers in one-to-one friendships with adults who live in their college community that have intellectual or developmental disabilities. Once Buddy Pairs are matched they talk once a week -- phone, email, text message, letters, notes, school. They also spend time together at least twice a month -- movies, bowling, video games, shopping, eating out, etc. The Buddy Pairs also attend monthly group activities.