Connecticut — Best Buddies International is proud to announce the launch of the Best Buddies Jobs Program in Connecticut. This expansion is made possible through generous funding from The Hometown Foundation and supports our mission of advancing inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Best Buddies is built upon five key mission pillars: one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support. Through this new initiative in Connecticut, Best Buddies will work to build strong partnerships with local employers, identify individuals with IDD seeking meaningful employment, and support successful placements in integrated work environments.

The Best Buddies Jobs Program secures competitive employment opportunities for people with IDD, empowering them to earn an income, build independence, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. This initiative is being carried out in collaboration with The Hometown Foundation and Bozzuto’s Inc., along with several affiliated businesses. Together, they are committed to creating inclusive employment opportunities across warehouse operations, grocery store locations, and affiliated polo and golf club properties, expanding access to meaningful careers in a variety of industries.

Employers and individuals interested in participating in the program are encouraged to connect with Best Buddies Connecticut staff to learn more and get involved.

About Best Buddies International

Best Buddies® is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to nearly 3,000 elementary school, middle school, high school, and college Friendship and Promoter chapters worldwide. Today, Best Buddies’ programs — Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies®, Jobs, Ambassadors, Promoters and Inclusive Living — engage participants in each of the 50 states and in 56 countries and territories, positively impacting the lives of over 1.3 million people with and without disabilities around the world. In many cases, as a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities secure rewarding jobs, live independently, become inspirational leaders and build lifelong friendships.

For more information, please visit www.bestbuddies.org or connect with us via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.