Over 2,300 Best Buddies participants from around the globe gathered in Bloomington, Indiana at Indiana University to attend the Best Buddies Leadership Conference (BBLC) July 20-22, 2018.

Why did you join Best Buddies?
Kelsey: “Inclusion has always been a major part of my life. From a young age, I was exposed to an environment and lifestyle that taught me to love everyone…”

We are so excited about everything that our chapters have accomplished and are so excited to see their successes continue over the summer and into the upcoming year!

The Best Buddies Friendship Walk: Indianapolis took place on Sunday, April 22 at White River State Park, with more than 2000 people in attendance. Proceeds from the Best Buddies Friendship Walk provide the primary support for programs throughout Indiana.

“Having a friend is important to me because it helps me have a more positive attitude and focus on the good things. I want to thank Morgan for also introducing me to her workplace and helping get connected to a volunteer opportunity I really like.”

Best Buddies International, Special Olympics partner annually for Spread the Word to End the Word® Day. This internationally initiative aims to build awareness for society to stop and think about its use of the R-word and rally people to pledge respect toward all individuals, making the world a more accepting and inclusive place for all people.

Best Buddies has given our Jeremiah David the unexpected gift of acceptance and belonging. We didn’t pray for this, nor did we solicit it, yet we have embraced it and are eternally thankful. Best Buddies has given our 16-year-old with exceptional needs his first true friends.

Best Buddies has given Angie the opportunity to become a great leader and to know what true friendship is. Being a buddy director, a buddy ambassador, and an intern for Best Buddies Indiana has developed Angie’s leadership skills.

With a friendly disposition and kind heart, Zach Curtis has been such an influential Ambassador for Best Buddies. From Fishers, IN, he has been a part of Best Buddies in Middle School, High School, and now in the Butler University Chapter, where he serves as Buddy Director.

The benefits of RJ working at TCC extend far beyond the workplace. RJ’s mom Jodi Zeph quickly expresses the confidence that RJ now has in his everyday life. She is delighted that his social interactions have increased.