Best Buddies is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing friends and jobs for people with intellectual disabilities. Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant, international organization that has grown from one original chapter to more than 1,500 middle school, high school and college campuses across the country and internationally. Best Buddies volunteers annually contribute services that estimate a value of $70 million – at no cost to the community.

Today, Best Buddies programs annually impact the lives of more than 700,000 volunteers and people with intellectual disabilities in hundreds of communities around the world. Best Buddies currently offers six programs: Best Buddies Middle Schools, Best Buddies High Schools, Best Buddies Colleges, Best Buddies Citizens, e-Buddies® and Best Buddies Jobs. Our programs reach all 50 of the United States and six continents.

Best Buddies currently provides programs to more than 6,000 people throughout Long Island in 19 middle school and 11 high school campuses. In addition we have over 25 participants in our citizens program and e-Buddies programs. This year 6,000 New York residents—including participants' families, friends and teachers—will be positively impacted by Best Buddies programs.

Best Buddies is a life-changing experience for a person with intellectual or developmetal disabilities. As a result of their experience in Best Buddies, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have an increased sense of self-worth, which leads to securing successful jobs, learning how to ride public transportation, living independently in their own homes, falling in love, raising a family and making lifelong friendships.

Best Buddies is also an extraordinary experience for a person who is not disabled. As a result of their participation in Best Buddies, middle school, high school, college and citizen volunteers have an increased understanding of themselves and a more positive feeling about their lives, a new respect for the challenges facing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and a different perspective on what is important in life.

Best Buddies has big plans for the future. In 2010, Best Buddies will continue to build on our program base in all 50 states and establish programs in 50 countries.

For more information visit us at www.bestbuddiesnewyork.org.