Best Buddies Michigan was honored to be featured on the Ann Arbor Community Television Network (CTN) as part of the June 2025 edition of Ann Arbor Inclusive—a series spotlighting local efforts to promote inclusion and accessibility. The episode, now available to watch on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkSg6ByLa2k), features Lead Program Manager Lydia Goff and Evan Bursch, a Best Buddies Ambassador and active member of the University of Michigan chapter. Together, they shared powerful stories about the organization’s mission, local impact, and the importance of building meaningful friendships.

Best Buddies is a global nonprofit dedicated to ending the social, physical, and economic isolation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). In Michigan, our team has been working hard to carry out that mission through school-based friendship chapters, inclusive community events, and the continued expansion of the Citizens program, which pairs adults with and without IDD in one-to-one friendships.

During the interview, Lydia and Evan spoke about how Best Buddies Michigan is creating spaces where people with IDD feel seen, heard, and celebrated—whether that’s through a high school friendship club, a college chapter, or community-based adult friendships. Evan, who serves as both an ambassador and a beloved member of the University of Michigan chapter, shared personal insights about his journey with Best Buddies and the joy it brings to his life. Making the day even more special, the segment was filmed on Evan’s 22nd birthday—a fitting celebration for someone who truly embodies the spirit of inclusion and connection.

The episode also highlighted Best Buddies Michigan’s exciting collaborations with Hail! Impact, bringing University of Michigan student-athletes together with nonprofits in the Ann Arbor area. Through Hail! Impact, Best Buddies Michigan has partnered with student-athletes to bring greater awareness to inclusion, offer unique experiences for participants, and build meaningful connections that go beyond the playing field.

As we continue to grow throughout Southeast Michigan, especially in Washtenaw County, we’re calling on new volunteers and community champions to join us. We’re currently seeking:

• Volunteers for the Citizens Program in Washtenaw County and surrounding areas
• School contacts to help launch new chapters at K–12 schools

Interested in getting involved or starting a chapter? Email us at Michigan@bestbuddies.org—we’d love to hear from you!

Special thanks to CTN and the Ann Arbor Inclusive team for shining a light on the work being done across Michigan.