Fostering friendships — at a distance

By Beatrice Nisoli
DailyLobo.com
(Published 05/13/20)

Emily Schwarz, a member of Best Buddies New Mexico and a student at Central New Mexico Community College, said she first became involved in Best Buddies at her high school in Rio Rancho and is still in contact with her friend that she met through the program.

“I was so happy to hang out with people who like me for the way I am on the inside. I always look at my calendar and get excited when I see a Best Buddies meeting or event coming up,” she said. “A lot of times people with disabilities have a hard time making friends because of how they sound or how they look, but Best Buddies lets them in and lets them have fun.”

When asked why she believes it’s important that Best Buddies New Mexico continues to offer events remotely, Schwarz said social interaction is paramount as the pandemic plays out.

Right now people need friends, because the outside world is scary,” she said. “Best Buddies gives that to us.