Albuquerque, NM, Feb. 28, 2024 — Gracie Flanagan is serving up smiles at Dion’s Pizza in New Mexico.

Flanagan, a participant of Best Buddies in New Mexico, the state branch of Best Buddies International, a nonprofit dedicated to creating opportunities for friendship, employment, leadership development and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), has worked at Dion’s Pizza since the summer of 2023 thanks to Best Buddies Jobs.

At Dion’s, Gracie, who has an IDD, works as a dining attendant, where she prepares and cleans tables and seats guests. Gracie works part-time, has flexible schedule and receives benefits including paid sick leave, mental health services access through their Employee Assistance Program and free food after a shift.

Gracie has been recognized by her coworkers for having strong guest service and time management skills and for her attention to detail. She is also a fast learner, quickly picking up the skills required for new tasks when she is asked.

“My favorite part of my job is stocking the silverware for guests,” Gracie said. “Bussing the tables used to be difficult but is now something that comes easy to me”.

Gracie is also an active member in her local Best Buddies Citizens chapter – the adult friendship program ran by Best Buddies – and is a State Ambassador for Best Buddies in New Mexico. Her deep involvement in Best Buddies has provided her with a greater sense of purpose and independence, allowing her to flourish as an integrated member of society.

“Gracie’s kind heart and great work ethic are shown in everything she does,” Elizabeth Nelson, Gracie’s employment consultant, said. “She is truly inspiring.”

About Best Buddies
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, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to nearly 3,000 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Today, Best Buddies’ 12 formal programs — Elementary Schools, Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies®, Jobs, Ambassadors, Promoters, Transitions, Inclusive Living and Eunie’s Buddies— engage participants in each of the 50 states and in 45 countries, positively impacting the lives of nearly one million people with and without disabilities around the world. In many cases, as a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friendships. For more information, please visit bestbuddies.org or connect with us via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Media Inquiries
Best Buddies International
Nicole Maddox
Vice President, Communications
NicoleMaddox@Bestbuddies.org