Best Buddies is looking for college students to become a buddy to someone with a intellectual disability.

Best Buddies is a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. They provide opportunities for one-to-one friendships and integrated employment. Founded in 1989, Best Buddies has grown to over 1,000 middle school, high school and college campuses across the country and internationally. With programs reaching all 50 states, Best Buddies has over 50,000 volunteers giving their time to help others.

There are many UTM students (“college buddies”) already serving as volunteers and Best Buddies could always use more. They would love for Greek organizations, individual students, and faculty to get involved. It’s a great opportunity for students to make a new friend for life.

“Becoming a best buddy not only gives UTM students a chance to interact with the Martin community but also opens up an opportunity for us to make a difference in the lives of those suffering from intellectual disabilities,” says Kara Goddard.
Best Buddies works closely with CDS in Martin. The benefits of working with CDS is that it is off campus and, through volunteering, it will give students a chance to meet people they would not normally meet. This program gives people with intellectual difficulties the opportunity to make friends outside of their own, often isolated environment.

To be a Best Buddy, all you need is a desire to help and befriend an intellectually challenged individual. College Buddies contact their buddy at least once a week. Most buddies get together twice a month and do an activity. How often buddies will get together is up to the college buddy. Some get together one hour a week and some get together a lot more. It doesn’t take a lot of time but the memories will last a lifetime.

To learn more, visit www.bestbuddies.org. If you are interested in becoming a Best Buddy, contact Kara Goddard at kbg_918@yahoo.com or Lily Blanco at lilyswt9@hotmail.com.