Best Buddies Pennsylvania to Receive Funding from Pennsylvania Department of Education

Thanks to House Minority Leader Joanna McClinton, the Pennsylvania Department of Education has awarded Best Buddies a $150,000 grant. Leader McClinton represents the 191st House district, which includes parts of Delaware and Philadelphia Counties.

Hilary Stephens, State Director for Best Buddies, was effusive in praising Leader McClinton. “We are fortunate to have a legislator who understands how vital it is for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be included in their schools. The social skills they develop through Best Buddies are critical to helping them become prepared for the workplace.”

Leader McClinton demonstrated her understanding of our mission in her comments about the grant. “Funding for Best Buddies and similar organizations is a priority because the services that you provide are not only needed but invaluable to underserved communities,” she said. “As a well-established organization, Best Buddies is committed to supporting the overall development of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The services that Best Buddies provides are instrumental in assisting individuals with disabilities in establishing interpersonal relationships, employment opportunities, leadership skill development, and intellectual development.”

Leader McClinton noted that services such as those offered by Best Buddies enhance the lives of all who participate, including typical peers.  “This greatly improves the inclusivity of individuals with disabilities into mainstream society and helps in ending their social, physical, and economic isolation.  It has been said that “the true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members”.  If this is the measure of what makes a great society, then it is imperative that organizations like Best Buddies continue to flourish and to be a funding priority.”

Best Buddies will use these funds to expand to additional schools in need of inclusion services for students with disabilities.