{"id":94005,"date":"2017-06-16T12:27:37","date_gmt":"2017-06-16T16:27:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/?p=94005"},"modified":"2019-11-13T14:27:04","modified_gmt":"2019-11-13T19:27:04","slug":"best-buddies-alumni-changing-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/2017\/06\/16\/best-buddies-alumni-changing-world\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Buddies Alumni Changing the World"},"content":{"rendered":"
In 2016 Best Buddies, in order to expand its services and mission, launched Best Buddies Alumni Association (BBAA) program to re-engage with former participants. The BBAA mission is focused on developing lifelong mutually beneficial relationships between Best Buddies and its alumni. A place where former volunteers can remain connected and engaged with Best Buddies for life.<\/p>\n
This new initiative is a centralized program for former volunteers to create a worldwide network to catch up with old friends, exchange ideas and experiences, create mentorship opportunities between alumni, identify jobs for Best Buddies participants, support the Alumni Fund, and so much more.<\/p>\n
Already the BBA has rediscovered and connected with former participants, who are eager and excited to delve back into the Best Buddies mission. Below are the stories of two peer buddies, who fell in love with Best Buddies so dearly that they even pursued professional careers to improve the quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).<\/p>\n
Rowena Buted from Maui, Hawaii began her journey with Best Buddies in 2008. As an active junior in high school, she was approached by Mike McCormick, a Best Buddies program manager, who asked her to lead the first Best Buddies chapter in Maui at Maui High School.<\/p>\n