You’re making a difference.
Message From Our State Director
Dear Friends,
All of us at Best Buddies in <State> extend our deepest appreciation to our wonderful participants, families, volunteers, donors, and corporate partners for such a successful 2025! Your support and dedication to our mission helps our programs grow, creating more inclusive communities throughout our state.
Happy Holidays to you and yours and here’s to continued growth in 2026!
In Friendship, <Name> <State Director>
Here’s what we’ve accomplished, Because of your support in 2025
One-to-One
XX XX Cities |
XXX
Total Chapters
xx
Middle Schools xx
High Schools xx Colleges xx
Citizens Participants xx e-Buddies
X,XXX
Total Participants
XX,XXX Impacted Counties
One-to-one
Friendships
Meet Amari and Calethia
Being matched with my buddy, Amari through Best Buddies has been one of the most meaningful parts of my life and added to it greatly. Our friendship isn’t about differences; it’s about laughter, loyalty, and simply showing up for each other. She reminds me every day that connection is the most powerful gift we can share..”
-Calethia
Integrated Employment Program
XX Participants Employed Participants
Integrated Employment
Meet Ryan
Having a job has made a difference in my life. It made sure I'm living my best life and I found a great work family outside of my home.”
Promoterss Participants In XX Schools XXX Ambassadors Participants
Leadership Development
Meet Shivam
Best Buddies has brought the true meaning of inclusion to light, opening doors and opportunities for me that I never thought possible. My ability is stronger than my disability.”
-Shivam
Best Buddies Living is more than just a place to live. It’s a community filled with wonderful people who have become my family."
-AnnCatherine
Family Support Program
1
Eunie’s Buddies Program <City Name>
Eunie’s BUDDIES
Connects families who are expecting or have a young child with IDD to experienced parents of a child with IDD, encouraging a genuine relationship rooted in mentorship, resourcesharing, and guidance.
Meet Camille
A program like Eunie’s Buddies can be a lifeline for parents of children with IDD, offering a space to be vulnerable and connect with another parent who truly understands and welcomes you with open arms.”
-Camille
Best Buddies Friendship Ball
An unforgettable evening with <XXX> of our closest friends from all over the state gathered at <Venue Name> for music, dancing, and friendship!
(STW ETW) is an ongoing movement to end the hurtful and demeaning use of the word “retard(ed).” Chapters all throughout <State/Country> held a STW ETW awareness event at their respective schools. Our Best Buddies participants raised the consciousness of their classmates about the dehumanizing effects of using the R-Word and encouraged people to stop using the word.
Raised $XXX,XXX
Nearly X,XXX participants, corporate partners and community members walked for inclusion!
In July, nearly XXX leaders from all over <State>, both with and without IDD, attended our 34th Annual Best Buddies Leadership Conference. They participated in personalized trainings that develop the skills needed to organize and lead a Best Buddies chapter!
Nearly X,XXX supporters came together for our annual Gala in celebration of the collective efforts of our XX Champions who raised funds and awareness to support our mission! Raised $XXX,XXX
Champions are made from something they have deep inside of them - a desire, a dream, a vision.” -Mahatma Gandhi
