Best Buddies in California Newsletter: October 2021 Oct 4, 2021 | California News | Message Preview National Disability Employment Awareness Month Edition! Did you know that 81% of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) do not have a paid job in the community? We’re on a mission to change that. This month is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Celebrate by telling someone you know about Best Buddies Jobs Program. What does NDEAM mean to you? We asked a few of our participants & supporters! Kathryn | Intern, Dept. of Rehabilitation, Best Buddies Jobs Participant "NDEAM allows our employers and coworkers and even future employers of people with IDDs to see how those with disabilities can help to improve work environments, bring new insightful ideas and create a more inclusive workforce." Whitney | Manager at Terry’s House Supervisors of Best Buddies Interns “The theme for NDEAM 2021 is ‘America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion,’ which demonstrates how essential it is to give people with disabilities the chance for community involvement and employment opportunities during the Covid-19 crisis. Terry’s House is extremely lucky to partner with the amazing Best Buddies program by celebrating disabilities every single day, without barriers, for years. David | Equipment Control at West Group Logistics Best Buddies Jobs Participants “To me, NDEAM means freedom. It means being given the opportunity to be able to rely on myself for success. It means loudly and proudly thriving instead of quietly and barely surviving.” LeeAnn | File Clerk at South Bay Mini & BMW | Best Buddies Jobs Participant “I have never let my disability stop me from doing Anything and I love my job. I think it’s cool that Best Buddies helps others living with a disability find a job.” Casey |Deli Department at Vons Best Buddies Jobs Participants “National Disability Employment Awareness is very important to me and many others like me. Vons gave me a chance and they are still helping me grow. I hope other companies become aware of us because we have a lot to share.” We love our Volunteers Meet Rachel, Student Volunteer in San Diego, CA How long have you been a volunteer with Best Buddies? I have volunteered with Best Buddies for 4 years. How has Best Buddies impacted your life? Best Buddies has changed my life for the better in more ways than one. It has helped me open my eyes to people who are different from me and helped me see them as people first. The friends I have made with IDD have bettered my life more than I could have ever bettered theirs and I am forever grateful for the people I have met through Best Buddies. Why is inclusion important to you? Inclusion is important to me because it means that everyone has a place where they feel like they can belong and everybody deserves a strong inclusive support system like the community built with Best Buddies. Get Involved with Best Buddies Do you want to learn more about Best Buddies and how to get involved? Join our October virtual 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! October Volunteer Orientation Thursday, October 14th 5-5:30 pm on Zoom LEARN MORE Should you have any questions, contact RichardNakai@bestbuddies.org. To receive the latest Best Buddies news and announcements, click here. Tags: California News 6 Share You also might be interested in Best Buddies in California Newsletter: December 2021 Dec 9, 2021 An Incredible Year! Best Buddies in California Newsletter: February 2022 Feb 18, 2022 February Festivities 🎉 Best Buddies in California Newsletter: May 2021 May 4, 2021 A May to Remember