Hi! I’m Annemarie Carrigan and I’d really want you to know that Best Buddies is a really important part of my life and it has helped me through a lot of emotional and stressful situations…

Geoffrey has always loved math. That’s why when a warehouse position at Lightbourn Equipment Company opened up, Best Buddies knew Geoffrey’s love for math and skill with numbers made him the perfect candidate.

“Andre and I are really into watching movies, in particular, superhero movies. Anytime there’s a fight scene, he’s sure to move along to the punches and kicks. He’s always sure to give each of us the parts in the movie and he tends to be the hero of the plot.”

“Being positive is the key to my existence and everyone has a struggle that they want to overcome. I do not want my cerebral palsy to define me.”

Daniel was one of the first participants in the Best Buddies Tennessee Jobs program in 2015, and listed his dream job in an office setting, with a focus on tech work. After several interviews, he found a full-time position at Verus Healthcare as a medical equipment technician.

Carolyn and Haley’s friendship is unique in more ways than just its beginnings as a natural friendship. The two have a bond that is absolutely beautiful to watch, attending concerts and sporting events together, and having girl’s nights and sleepovers regularly.

“I thought that signing up for this program would mean I was making a difference in someone else’s life, but she’s made a difference in mine and has shown me what it means to truly be someone’s best buddy!”

“Having Autism has changed my life. People didn’t want to be my friend. I felt segregated from my school community. Today, however, my life, my experiences with Best Buddies, and my experiences with my school community have been changing for the better.”

“I was matched with Jared Plants sophomore year of high school. We have spent one year as buddies, and it has been a great experience. Jared has a vibrant personality and constantly makes me laugh and brightens my days. I look forward to the time we spend together both in and out of school.”

“When I started school at Plymouth Whitemarsh (PW), my social skills were very low, I had trouble connecting with peers and I didn’t have many friends. One of my teachers recommended that I join Best Buddies. I was unsure at first.”