What is Best Buddies?
Best Buddies is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing
opportunities for one-to-one friendships and integrated employment.
Founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant, international organization that has grown from one original chapter to more than 1,400 college, high school and middle school campuses across the country and internationally. Best Buddies programs engage participants in each of the 50 United States. We have accredited international programs on six continents with additional country programs under active development (bestbuddies.com).
Best Buddies is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing
opportunities for one-to-one friendships and integrated employment.
Founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant, international organization that has grown from one original chapter to more than 1,400 college, high school and middle school campuses across the country and internationally. Best Buddies programs engage participants in each of the 50 United States. We have accredited international programs on six continents with additional country programs under active development (bestbuddies.com).
Best Buddies at Palatine High School: The Palatine High School Best Buddies Chapter is dedicated to serving students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and living out the vision of Anthony Kennedy Shriver when he created the organization.
We achieve this vision by creating one-to-one friendships. A student with an IDD, identified as a "buddy", is paired with a "peer buddy", a fellow Palatine High School student. Together, Palatine High School “buddy pairs” talk at least once a week, spend time together at least once a month, and gather as a group for activities once a month.
Maintaining a club like Best Buddies at Palatine High School requires some fundraising. PHS Best Buddies plans a minimum of one fundraising opportunity each semester.
While our goal at Best Buddies is to enhance the lives of students with disabilities we've found that the experiences gained through Best Buddies create long lasting mutual friendships, treasured memories, and an enriching experience for everyone involved.
We achieve this vision by creating one-to-one friendships. A student with an IDD, identified as a "buddy", is paired with a "peer buddy", a fellow Palatine High School student. Together, Palatine High School “buddy pairs” talk at least once a week, spend time together at least once a month, and gather as a group for activities once a month.
Maintaining a club like Best Buddies at Palatine High School requires some fundraising. PHS Best Buddies plans a minimum of one fundraising opportunity each semester.
While our goal at Best Buddies is to enhance the lives of students with disabilities we've found that the experiences gained through Best Buddies create long lasting mutual friendships, treasured memories, and an enriching experience for everyone involved.