Friendship, Jobs, Leadership & Living!

Are you familiar with all four program pillars? Best Buddies Friendship, Jobs, Leadership, and Living work together to provide opportunities for inclusion. Our programs impact the lives of thousands of individuals with and without disabilities in schools, workplaces, and communities in California and around the world. Read on to learn more about how you can get involved!

Program Highlight

Best Buddies Citizens Brings Friendship to Adult Communities

Best Buddies Citizens supports the development of one-to-one friendships between adults with and without intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) in corporate and civic communities. Many people with IDD have limited opportunities for social interactions after they leave the school environment. This program helps people with IDD become part of mainstream society and creates an inclusive and diverse community for all. Let’s hear a word from two of our newest matches!

We love our Volunteers

Meet Annee, Chapter Advisor and Special Education Teacher at Jordan High School in Long Beach, CA

How long have you been a volunteer with Best Buddies?

I’ve been involved with Best Buddies for over 15 years.

How has Best Buddies impacted your life?

I have been made keenly aware of the social importance of bridging the gap between students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities, so they realize that they have more similarities than differences. They really do develop meaningful friendships and strong bonds. I found they all learn so much from each other.

I will forever advocate for this level of inclusion because of the depth of importance Best Buddies has in regard to my student’s well-being.

New Partnership

Turn Your Spare Change into Positive Change Today!

We’re excited to announce a free new tool to make the most of your spare change! Change Donations makes it easy to round up your digital change to support Best Buddies. Signing up is easy. Just click the link below, authorize round-ups and add your card to start giving every purchase a purpose.

Now when you buy coffee for $2.75 or groceries for $32.75, those $0.25 spare cents can be automatically donated to help Best Buddies thrive!

Events & Happenings

Champion of the Year | Los Angeles & Bay Area

Best Buddies Champion of the Year unites and recognizes the community’s most active leaders in the name of inclusion. Over the next 10 weeks, 12 individuals in Los Angeles and 12 in the Bay Area will compete to raise funds and awareness for Best Buddies. The competition will culminate in unforgettable events where the ultimate Champion of the Year will be crowned.

Click to learn more about our champion candidates in Los Angeles and the Bay Area and how you can get involved. We hope that you’ll join us!

Volunteer with Best Buddies

Love the mission and want to get more involved? We’ve made it easier than ever to learn about all the ways to be a part of Best Buddies in California! Join us for an orientation to discover local volunteer opportunities and ways to make an impact. Refer a friend or family member who wants to learn more about Best Buddies! 

September Volunteer Orientations
September 8th from 5:30 pm-6:00 pm
September 23rd from 5:30 pm-6:00 pm

Should you have any questions, please contact RichardNakai@bestbuddies.org.