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 individuals 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
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.
Family
Support
Family support and resources to raise a child with IDD.
