Season’s Greetings!
As we reflect on the past year, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our corporate partners for your steadfast support and shared
commitment to inclusion. Your partnership strengthens our mission. Because of your dedication, more individuals are experiencing meaningful inclusion in workplaces, communities, and daily life. Thank you for standing with us, investing in our mission, and helping us build a world where everyone belongs.
Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a new year filled with possibility, connection, and continued collaboration. In friendship and with appreciation,
Your friends from the Best Buddies Corporate + Field Engagement Team
Lise Lozelle, Emily Raich, Amy Colucci, Kristen Starcher, Haley Wilber, and Maddy Schnider
A snapshot of the 2025 impact you have made
2026 Important Dates
SPRING 2026 FRIENDSHIP WALK SEASON
MARCH 1-31 BEST BUDDIES MONTH
OCTOBER 1-31
OCTOBER 2026 CORPORATE PARTNER SUMMITNDEAM MONTH CHAMPION OF THE YEAR SEASON FALL 2026
Meet Kara and Elise
Kara and Elise met back when they were in middle school and instantly hit it off. When Elise started the Best Buddies chapter at their high school during her freshman year, the two got officially matched as Best Buddies and life has never been better since!
Through the toughest times and the most joyous times, they grew up together and never left each other’s sides. They are still matched to this day, through our Adult Friendship Program, and now navigate adulthood together in this next phase of life.
Meet Jeet
“Best Buddies worked hard to find me a job and provided accommodations throughout the hiring process in support of my disabilities. My life improved, not only economically but mentally and socially. The part I love most about my job is that my colleagues are very nice, friendly, and cooperative. I feel secure and safe in my work environment and, my job gives me opportunities to be social and continue advancing my professional skills.”– Jeet Dave, Best Buddies Jobs Participant, Ally Financial
Meet Kiontis
“Anthony Shiver reminds us that we are not defined by limitations but by our strengths. Every person in this world has a unique gift, a talent meant to be shared. We don’t need magic to make a difference; we only need the courage to be ourselves. So why wait to be a leader? Why wait to step into your greatness? No matter how many obstacles stand in your way, know what you want and go after it. We are the world. We are the children. We are the ones who can make a brighter day, so let’s start giving.” – Kiontis Gallion, Best Buddies Global Ambassador
Meet Yvenie
For Yvenie Joseph, becoming a resident of Best Buddies Living in Los Angeles has been truly lifechanging. Before joining the program in January 2024, she faced immense challenges—moving from place to place without family support, struggling with her mental health, and ultimately living in a homeless shelter. She longed for stability, independence, and a place to call home. Best Buddies Living provided her with exactly that and more. Now, for the first time in her life, she has her own room, a steady job, and a supportive community that empowers her to thrive.
Meet Tata & Nikki
Eunie’s Buddies has had a profoundly positive impact on me, allowing me to share, relate, and connect with another mother going through the same experience. It provides a sense of companionship and reinforces the idea that it takes a village to raise a child. My first connection with Nikki was instant and it felt as if we were speaking the same language, understanding each other’s emotions without explanation. Eunie’s Buddies has created a space where families of children with different abilities can come together to form the village we all need. We don’t have to do it alone.”
– Tata Yanguas, Mentor, Eunie’s Buddies
