Best Buddies New York

Best Buddies is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The Best Buddies in New York state office was founded in 2002. Since then, they have grown to four offices in Albany, Long Island, New York City and Western NY. To date, Best Buddies School Friendship programs are represented in 134 elementary school, middle school, high School and college chapters and has more than 130 one-to-one matches in their adult-based Citizens Friendship program. BBNY impacts more than 6,500 volunteers and participants with and without IDD throughout their programs. Best Buddies in New York also offers a supported employment program in metro-NY, known as Best Buddies Jobs. Launched in 2016 with the support of amazing corporate partners and individual and private donors, BBNY has helped 34 individuals with IDD find integrated and competitive employment. As a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with IDD have the opportunity to make lifelong friendships, secure jobs, live independently, and become inspirational leaders.