Best Buddies in California Newsletter: January 2022 Jan 20, 2022 | California News | Message Preview 2021 has been a year for the records here at Best Buddies in California. It is through your support that our programs and events have reached new heights! We are wishing you well this holiday season and hope you will feel inspired seeing the impact Best Buddies in California has made in 2021. 2022 – New Year, New Opportunities The new year has already been off to a great start. Since you last heard from us, we have inducted 4 new state ambassadors, hosted 3 middle and high school hangouts, had 8 new participants join our Jobs program, and found 2 new jobs placements. And this is only the beginning! We want to make 2022 our best year yet. And with your support, we will be set up for success. Meet Our Newest State Ambassadors! Eric • From East Bay, CA • Member of Best Buddies for seven years • Involved in Best Buddies Jobs and now...Leadership • Advice for 2022? "As long as you continue to possess a can-do attitude, you will reach your full potential. Obstacles may arise from time to time but continue to push through them. Don't be satisfied with your current accomplishments. Strive to do more because you can grow to greater heights, and do not let others put you down." Katie • From Los Angeles, CA • Member of Best Buddies for six years • Founder and past President of Wilson High School Best Buddies • Serves on Best Buddies Young Leaders Council (YLC) • What does BB mean to you? "To me, advocacy means speaking on behalf of others with a passionate voice. Being a leader and advocate is my most important identity because, through it, I can make meaningful change." Mara • From Dana Point, CA • Member of Best Buddies for one year • Worked as a campaign manager for Best Buddies Champion of the Year • Helped conduct mock interviews for Best Buddies Jobs • What is your goal for 2022? "My ultimate goal as far as being a part of Best Buddies is to bring and spread the word about how beneficial and life-changing, both mentally and emotionally, this organization is in terms of how it is approached and run." We love our Volunteers! Meet Rob, Best Buddies Leadership & Jobs Volunteer from the Bay Area Describe your current and previous involvement with Best Buddies? "I was made aware of BB in 2011 when my daughters became active in their high school in Weston, Florida. My oldest daughter, Lauren, had a buddy and was very active in her life. When we moved to LA in 2014, both of my daughters started the first chapter at La Canada High School." How has Best Buddies impacted your life? "I love advocating for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and seeing the impact that Best Buddies has on their lives. I've gained a tremendous amount of respect for those with IDD and their families." Why is inclusion important to you? "I love the effort put forth to help those with IDD find jobs, live independently, make friends, etc. Inclusion has become the catch-all term used to define so many categories. It's my goal to make sure that people with IDD are front and center when it comes to focusing on inclusion." What is your favorite Best Buddies memory? "Getting involved in the jobs program and hiring Lindi!" What is a goal you have for 2022? "Rehire an employee in the Best Buddies Jobs Program." What is something you are looking forward to in 2022? "More in-person events and taking part in Friendship Walk 2022 with my work team!!!" Countdown to the Friendship Walk Begins! We are so excited to have our 2022 Friendship Walk in person for the first time since 2019! Friendship Walk Launch Week is right around the corner and will be kicking off on February 7th. During Launch Week, we will reveal our 2022 Friendship Walk shirt design, announce this year’s incentive items, and give away fantastic prizes! Make sure to mark your calendar and register for the walk closest to you. Los Angeles: Saturday, April 23rd @ Shoreline Park Sacramento: Saturday, April 30th @ North Natomas Regional Park San Diego: Sunday, May 1st @ TBD Location San Francisco: Saturday, April 23rd @ Golden Gate Park DETAILS / REGISTER Get Involved with Best Buddies Do you want to learn more about Best Buddies and how to get involved? Join our February orientation! In just 30 minutes, you will learn about our mission, programs, and local volunteer opportunities. Plus, you'll get to meet other awesome individuals interested in making an impact! February Volunteer Orientation Wednesday, February 16th 5:00 pm-5:30 pm To sign up, contact Richard Nakai at RichardNakai@bestbuddies.org. January Events Calendar View All Events To receive the latest Best Buddies news and announcements, click here. Tags: California News 6 Share You also might be interested in Different the Musical Aug 23, 2022 Learn more about a musical created by Best Buddies participant, Tyler Daynes! Meet Rob, Best Buddies Volunteer from the Bay Area Jan 1, 2022 "I love advocating for people with IDD and seeing the impact that Best Buddies has on their lives." Project SEARCH and Community Health System Partnership Jun 3, 2022 Learn more about our partnership and get to know Jobs program participants, Deanna