Cleveland, OH — May 5, 2026 — Best Buddies International, a global nonprofit dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), is proud to announce the launch of Eunie’s Buddies in Cleveland, OH. This groundbreaking family-support program offers mentorship, resources, and community connection to parents and caregivers who have recently received an IDD diagnosis for their child.

Eunie’s Buddies pairs experienced parents (mentors) with families who are new to the journey, providing encouragement and practical guidance from pregnancy through age eight. As a part of Best Buddies International, the program reassures families that they are entering a lifelong community, with programs designed to support individuals with IDD and their families through every stage of life. Eunie’s Buddies is affectionately named in honor of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of Special Olympics and a true hero who advocated tirelessly for positive change in the lives of individuals with IDD.

“My mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, will always be my hero, and I am thankful for her enduring spirit which guides me in the work I do today on behalf of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her unending love and guidance inspired our Eunie’s Buddies program. With this initiative, we’re committed to ensuring that families and individuals with IDD receive the support and resources needed to thrive and pursue their dreams just like everyone else,” said Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Best Buddies International.

Eunie’s Buddies provides eMentorship nationwide and in-person mentorship in Boston, Miami, Nashville, Denver, and Rochester. The Cleveland launch marks an important milestone in the program’s national expansion. Local families will now have access to one-on-one mentorship, community gatherings, resources, and the Gift of Possibilities, a thoughtfully curated welcome box designed to bring comfort, hope, and inspiration to new families.

“Receiving a birth diagnosis of Down syndrome for my son overshadowed the joy of his existence. I was left feeling alone, frightened, and confused,” said Becky Jovanovic, Deputy Director of Eunie’s Buddies in Cleveland. “I was fortunate to have an amazing husband and support from my local Down syndrome organization to help me through. Not every family receiving an IDD diagnosis has access to the same resources and support I did. Launching Eunie’s Buddies here in Ohio will help fill that gap for families. Knowing we can help expecting or new parents feel included and supported, while also providing resources, is truly a dream come true for me. Because of my own experiences, I believe I can bring a very personal touch to this program in Cleveland. I am dedicated to making sure no parent ever feels alone in their child’s diagnosis and committed to ensuring that Eunie’s Buddies thrive in the Cleveland area.”

The official launch of Eunie’s Buddies in Cleveland took place at the 2026 Best Buddies Friendship Walk: Cleveland, which welcomed community leaders, families, and supporters of the Best Buddies mission.

To learn more about the program and get involved as a mentor or mentee, please visit Eunie’s Buddies.

About Eunie’s Buddies

Founded under Best Buddies International, Eunie’s Buddies is a family-centered program that walks alongside parents and caregivers from the moment of an IDD diagnosis through their child’s early years. By pairing new parents with experienced, trained mentors and offering personalized resources, community, and connection, Eunie’s Buddies ensures that families feel supported, understood, and empowered.

For more information visit www.bestbuddies.org/family-support

Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube: @EuniesBuddies

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 (IDD). Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to over 4,000 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Today, Best Buddies’ programs engage participants in each of the 50 states and in 41 countries, positively impacting the lives of more than 1.5 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 on their own, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friendships.

Media Contact

Becky Jovanovic, Deputy Director of Eunie’s Buddies Cleveland
(M): 440-867-4576 | (E): Becky.Jovanovic@bestbuddies.org