Summary of Services
- Friendship Programs, which include Best Buddies Elementary, Middle School, High School, and more
- Leadership Development through Best Buddies Ambassadors Program, Best Buddies Promoters Program, and Best Buddies Transition Program
- Integrated Employment Program
- Living Program, which provides campus immersion
- Family Support through Eunie’s Buddies offering mentorship, emotional support, parenting tips, and access to community resources
Harnessing the Power of Inclusion
Best Buddies North Florida is dedicated to creating a more inclusive community by providing opportunities for friendship, leadership development, employment, independent living, and family support. Through its programs, the organization ensures that individuals, with or without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), can access meaningful resources, build lasting relationships, and experience the power of inclusion.
At the heart of Best Buddies is the belief that friendship transforms lives. The organization connects people with and without IDD to share interests, experiences, and mutual support, helping participants build confidence and strengthen social skills. Programs like Best Buddies Elementary, Middle School, High School, College, Citizens, and E-Buddies, a virtual friendship program, allow individuals of all ages to engage in interactive activities, break down barriers, and create authentic connections within their schools and communities.
Offering Leadership and Mentorship
Best Buddies North Florida also empowers participants through its Leadership Development programs, which educate and inspire individuals to become advocates, speakers, and community leaders. The Best Buddies Ambassadors Program provides training to enhance public speaking, advocacy, and communication skills while building self-esteem.
The Best Buddies Promoters Program encourages participants to organize events that raise awareness and promote inclusion for people with IDD. The Best Buddies Transition Program combines mentorship, skill-building workshops, and training to prepare participants for higher education, career opportunities, and independent living.
Providing Positive Residential Experiences
Through the Integrated Employment Program, participants receive guidance and support to find work that aligns with their skills and interests. The program assists individuals with writing résumés, preparing for interviews, completing hiring paperwork, and offers orientation, training, travel guidance, and ongoing follow-ups to help participants achieve their personal and professional goals.
The Best Buddies Living Program provides a supportive residential experience that fosters independence, personal growth, and community participation. Residents benefit from staff guidance and opportunities to engage in campus life, attend cultural events, and participate in social activities.
Supporting Families by Offering Parenting Tips
Recognizing the importance of family, Best Buddies North Florida offers Eunie’s Buddies, a mentorship program supporting families of individuals with IDD. Through this program, families receive guidance, emotional support, parenting tips, and access to resources.