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March 2021

Happy March, also known as, Best Buddies Month! We hope you will join us in celebrating Best Buddies and inclusion by spreading awareness all month long. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter to see how everyone is celebrating!

Program Spotlight

It’s no surprise that Vanessa recently became one of our newest State Ambassadors. Her leadership, especially during the pandemic, has opened the door for many others to get involved in Best Buddies events and activities during an increasingly isolating time.

Best Buddies Program Supervisor, Melissa Peterson said, “When the pandemic first hit, she pivoted the program to a virtual model without being asked to do so and developed a robust calendar of activities to keep everyone connected and socializing!” She has hosted and facilitated numerous Virtual College Night Hangouts as well as Ambassador trainings and has shared her story with the Crescenta High School Best Buddies Chapter.

“Becoming a State Ambassador in California has given me the opportunity has encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone and become more comfortable with being in the spotlight.”

Are you or someone you know interested in becoming an ambassador like Vanessa? Email Jazzmine at JazzmineSantos-Kendrix@bestbuddies.org to learn more about our upcoming trainings!

We Love our Volunteers

I have advocated for the Jobs Program to begin in Sacramento. Currently, I am still a Chapter Advisor for Center High School’s Best Buddies chapter and am a member of the new Sacramento Advisory Board.

What is your favorite Best Buddies memory?

At the end of our first year as a chapter our buddy, Chase Peterson, won Senior Ball King. When they were getting ready to announce the winner, and the entire senior class was chanting his name, and I saw the joy on Chase’s face, I was overwhelmed with emotion. It was the first time a student with an IDD had ever been nominated, and then actually won, and I truly believe that it never would have happened if not for Best Buddies.

How has Best Buddies impacted your life?

Best Buddies has given me my own mission, which is to spread Best Buddies in the Sacramento area. I want it to become as well-known and as recognized as Special Olympics.

Why is inclusion important to you?

I love that my students have something so meaningful in their lives...something to look forward to, something to be excited about, something to belong to and be proud of! Everyone deserves to feel like they belong and are accepted.

What would you say to someone who is considering volunteering with Best Buddies? 

DO IT!!! It is so fulfilling and will bring you so much joy!

Events and Happenings

Best Buddies Friendship Walk: May 1st, 2021

We are two months away! If you haven’t registered yet, what are you waiting for?! Walk with us in our fight for inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities! 

We’ll be celebrating throughout the months of March and April with virtual events and activities in preparation for walking on May 1st. We hope that you’ll join us!

Mark your calendars:
 

Game Night
Wednesday, March 17th
5:00 pm PST

TikTok Lesson with Karenna
Wednesday, March 24th
5:00 pm PST

Check out our other virtual events this March by checking out our calendar:

Should you have any questions or require assistance contact Brittany Black at brittanyblack@bestbuddies.org.

Get Involved

Love the mission and want to get more involved? There are lots of ways to be a part of Best Buddies in California! Reach out to our staff so we can get you plugged in. 

Northern California | Stefanie Taylor: stefanietaylor@bestbuddies.org

Central Valley | Haley Hatai: haleyhatai@bestbuddies.org

Southern California | Sarah Won: sarahwon@bestbuddies.org