Mission

Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Who We Serve

Best Buddies serves individuals with IDD and their families. The IDD community includes, but is not limited to, people with Down syndrome, autism, Fragile X, Williams syndrome, and other undiagnosed disabilities.

Programs

Best Buddies is the largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people worldwide with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our programs empower people with IDD to form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure jobs, improve communication and advocacy skills, and live independently, while also offering support for their families. 

BESTBUDDIES®
Five Mission Pillars

One-To-One Friendships

Integrated Employment

Leadership Development

Inclusive
Living

Family
Support

One-To-One
Friendships

Integrated
Employment

Leadership
Development

Inclusive
Living

Family
Support

One-To-One
Friendships

Two female Best Buddies participants embrace while smiling, and sitting in a grassy field.
Builds friendships between people with and without IDD, offering social mentoring while improving the quality of life and level of inclusion.

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.

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.

Inclusive
Living

Best Buddies Living roommates doing laundry.
Providing a vibrant, integrated living opportunity for people with and without IDD.

Family
Support

Family support and resources to raise a child with IDD.