I have been involved in the school friendship programs with Best Buddies Pittsburgh for 8 years now. Because of Best Buddies, I found that working and socializing with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is one of the most fun and rewarding activities I could do. And because of this, I decided to attend Slippery Rock University for Special Education but recently changed majors to work with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a community setting. My advice to anyone who is unsure about not only participating in Best Buddies but working with people with disabilities is to try it! Like I said above, it is one of the best things you can do in your life! Best Buddies has allowed me to choose a career that I know I will love someday soon!
Review from The Pittsburgh Foundation
As a Board Member, I could not be more proud to be a part of this growing organization in the Pittsburgh region. My brother has Down Syndrome and it is through programs like Best Buddies that he has been able to develop into the amazing young man that he is today. He is almost a black belt in Karate, educates college students on Down Syndrome, works a full time job at a local nursing home, and has won gold medals in basketball and golf in the local special olympics (which he won with his 'Buddy'). Even though he has three brothers, it was through a Best Buddies program that he was able to really expand his network and life skills. I look forward to my role on the Best Buddies Board and being a small part of the passionate team ready to launch the organization to new heights in Pittsburgh!