About Us
Best Buddies is the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our programs empower the special abilities of people with IDD by helping them form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure successful jobs, live independently, improve public speaking, self-advocacy and communication skills, and feel valued by society.
In Colorado, our friendship and leadership pillars are impacting over 5000 individuals through 22 school chapter programs and 3 adult friendship programs!
Testimonials
"For a parent, finding people that truly want to understand your child, want to be there and genuinely care to spend time with your child, seems impossible. Best Buddies has opened those doors for not just me but many parents. We struggle with trusting people with our precious and innocent children within the world, but organizations like Best Buddies have given parents like me, the hope and sense of security that our children too can be accepted and truly happy with others." - Rashmi Talwar, Parent of a CO Best Buddies ambassador
"I love connecting with new participants and hearing they have been engaged since high school, it makes me so happy because it shows the impact our programs have on people" - Meg Pickens, CO Advisory Board Member
“I love Best Buddies because I’ve gotten to witness inclusion firsthand. With this organization everyone is genuinely seen, heard, accepted, and has a friend.” - Karly Vizzini, CSU chapter president
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, and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Best Buddies envisions a world where people with IDD are so successfully integrated into schools, workplaces and communities that its current efforts and services will be unnecessary. Until that vision becomes a reality, the organization will continue to educate middle school, high school and college students, community members, corporations and employers about the emotional, functional, and natural needs and abilities of people with IDD.
Organization name
Best Buddies International, Inc.
1989
Category
Youth Development, Public & Societal Benefit, Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Foundations, Human Services
Organization Size
Large Organization
Address
100 SE 2nd St Suite 2200Denver, CO, US
Boulder, CO, US
Castle Rock, CO, US
Colorado Springs, CO, US
Aspen, CO, US, 81611