How Much Does Friendship Mean To You?
by JENNY SADLER
Dear Friend,
As the new year begins, please take a moment to think about your friends: the special people who have been there for you over the past year. Maybe you had dinner together, or played golf, or just exchanged emails. Now imagine your life without any friends.
For many people with intellectual disabilities, making friends is a challenge. Opportunities to socialize with peers can be few and far between, but in schools across Rhode Island, Best Buddies provides a unique opportunity to make friends.
In 2008, more than 600 Rhode Islanders participated in Best Buddies' friendship programs, where individuals with intellectual disabilities are matched into one-to-one friendships with peers without intellectual disabilities.
For some students with intellectual disabilities, Best Buddies provides them the first chance to attend a dance with a friend, go to a sleepover, and eat lunch in the cafeteria with other students. I could go on and on about the impact of Best Buddies, but there is truly no one who can explain our mission better than our participants can.
“Best Buddies to me is friendship in its purest, simplest form. One-to-one, no strings attached, no ulterior motives or grandiose expectations. Just 'Here I am- let's be friends.' ” - Gretchen Tingley, Perspectives Inc.
“Best Buddies has taught me that people with disabilities are very important aspects of our school and community. Each and every person involved in Best Buddies has learned to accept and appreciate everyone's unique talents, abilities, and differences.” - Cate O'Connor, Middletown
“I've met a lot of people in Best Buddies. It's really fun to go out with all of our friends at the group activities.” - Brian Johnson, East Greenwich High School
“I consider my buddy one of the greatest friends I have met over the past two years at Salve. Larry has a spirit that I have not seen in someone for a long time.” - Nikki Collins, Salve Regina
If your family has been positively impacted by Best Buddies or if you believe in our mission of social inclusion, please consider making a donation. 91% of your contribution goes directly into supporting friendship programs in Rhode Island.
You can make a donation directly from this page using the “Donate” button in the left hand menu. Thank you and best wishes for 2009.
In friendship,
Jenny Sadler
Best Buddies Rhode Island |
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