<State>!
Message From Our
State Director Dear Friends, Inclusion happens when we show up for one another. As we reflect on 2026, we are grateful to our participants, families, volunteers, donors, and corporate partners for showing up for Best Buddies and advancing our mission across <State>. Every friendship built, opportunity created, and act of inclusion makes a difference. Together, we're creating a world where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are valued, included, and empowered. Thank you for showing up and being part of the movement for inclusion. Here's to continuing our impact in 2027! In Friendship, <Name> <State Director>
Here’s what we’ve accomplished, Because of your support in
2026
One-to-One Friendship Program XX Cities | XX Counties
XXX
Total Chapters
X,XXX
xx
Total Participants
Middle Schools
xx
High Schools
xx
Colleges
xx
Citizens Participants
xx
e-Buddies
XX,XXX Impacted
Meet
Noah and Aiden
I really like going to Indiana with my school... It's a lot of fun and my buddies care for me and I care for them.”
-Noah
One-to-one Friendships
Inetgrated Employment Program
XXX Participants
XX Employed Participants
Meet
Austin
Integrated Employment
Whether you are a person with or without IDD, being involved with Best Buddies will improve your life by introducing you to a strong community of friends; by connecting you to opportunities to grow your career; and by helping you to become a powerful leader and advocate for yourself and others.”
-Austin
Leadership Development Program
XXX Ambassadors Participants
XXX Promoterss Participants In XX Schools
Meet
JJ I joined Best buddies almost 8 years ago when I was a freshman in high school. After I joined Best Buddies, the bullying stopped. I made so many friends through Best Buddies that made me feel supported.” -JJ
Leadership Development
Inclusive Living Program
X Best Buddies Living Residence <City Name>
XX Best Buddies Living Residents
Meet
Juliann
Inclusive Living
“In Best Buddies Living I enjoyed how to cook and clean. It was so fun to also experience the different places we went to like Top Golf, and other activities too. I even got to enjoy the times with making new friends and getting to have different roles how to help with my friends who need it. And enjoying the fun. Taking pictures to, volunteering at places as well. Doing my own Book Club in the building and trying to understand how to live on my own again and to be independent”
-Juliann
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
Family Support
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!
Spread the Word to End the Word (STW ETW) is an ongoing movement dedicated to ending the harmful and demeaning use of the R-word and promoting respect, inclusion, and acceptance for all. Throughout 2026, Best Buddies chapters across <State/Country> hosted awareness events at their schools, empowering participants to educate their peers about the impact of hurtful language, challenge stereotypes, and encourage others to choose words that build a more inclusive world.
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 35th Annual Best Buddies Leadership Conference. They participated in personalized trainings that develop the skills needed to organize and lead a Best Buddies chapter!
Raised
$XXX,XXX 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!
Inclusion happens when we show up for one another.
Thank You
BESTBUDDIES.ORG/STATE