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, and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Who We Serve
The IDD community that Best Buddies serves includes, but is not limited to, people with Down syndrome, autism, Fragile X, Williams syndrome, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury and other undiagnosed disabilities.
Programs
Best Buddies is the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our programs empower the special abilities of people with IDD by helping them form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure successful jobs, live independently, improve public speaking, self-advocacy and communication skills, and feel valued by society.
BESTBUDDIES® Four Mission Pillars
One-To-One
Friendships
Builds friendships between people with and without IDD, offering social mentoring while improving the quality of life and level of inclusion.
Integrated
Employment
Secures jobs for people with IDD, allowing them to earn an income, pay taxes, and support themselves.
Leadership
Development
Educates and empowers people with and without IDD, to be leaders, public speakers and advocates.
Inclusive
Living
Providing a vibrant, integrated living opportunity for people with and without IDD.