Thank you! You’re making a difference.
Message From Our State Director
Dear Friends,
All of us at Best Buddies in New York extend our deepest appreciation to our wonderful participants, families, volunteers, donors, and corporate partners for such a successful 2024! Your support and dedication to our mission helps our programs grow, creating more inclusive communities throughout our state.
Happy Holidays to you and yours and here’s to continued growth in 2025!
In Friendship, Sophie Dubuisson State Director
Here’s what we’ve accomplished, Because of your support in 2024
One-to-One
Friendship Program
In 2024, Best Buddies in New York opened 20 new school-based Friendship chapters, bringing us to a total of 187 schools across the state. Additionally, the adult-based Citizens Friendship program matched an additional 100+ participants, bringing the total program to 500+ members in New York. In total, Best Buddies Friendship programs serve more than 6,800 students and adults with and without IDD across New York.
School Friendship Balls
Each Spring and Fall, students and participants, with and without IDD, join together for local Best Buddies School Friendship Balls across New York. Local school-based dances bring students from all over the region together to celebrate inclusion, meet new friends, and dance the night away!
Integrated Employment Program
Best Buddies Jobs placed 12 adult participants in integrated, competitive employment in 2024. In total, the Jobs program serves 64 participants in NYC. Additionally, the team has partnered with 40 employer partners dedicated to hiring through the Best Buddies Jobs program.
Employer Partner Celebration
In July, Best Buddies Jobs hosted employer partners and participants at the Amazon building in Manhattan for our Employer Partner Celebration. The event was a celebration of our local employer partners who have committed to creating inclusive workplaces by hiring people with IDD. Participants and employers were given tenure awards for their commitment to Best Buddies Jobs.
Meet Fred
Integrated Employment “
Out of all the jobs I've had in the past, this is the best one I've ever had. I'm a people's person and enjoy communicating with others. Best Buddies helped me find a job where I can be a part of a team and environment that supports each other."
-Fred
Leadership Development Program
Best Buddies hosted 16 Ambassador trainings for students and adults with and without IDD in 2024. These trainings include self-advocacy, public speaking, financial literacy, interview prep, and resume building skills. Additionally, the PreEmployment Transitions program served 200+ participants through local programming in Rochester and NYC.
Leadership Development
Meet Sydney
“
You are unique in your own way. Do not doubt yourself because of your disability. Your disability is your superpower. It’s what makes you unique!
-Sydney
In July, more than 100 leaders from all over New York, both with and without IDD, attended our 33rd Annual Best Buddies Leadership Conference. They participated in personalized trainings that develop the skills needed to organize and lead a Best Buddies chapter!
Raised
$375,000+
Nearly 2,000 participants, corporate partners and community members walked for inclusion across New York’s 5 Friendship Walks! Albany | Buffalo | Long Island | NYC | Rochester
Raised $96,000+
On November 3rd, Team Best Buddies supported 16 runners in their 26.2 mile journey for inclusion as part of the TCS New York City Marathon. Our runners raised more than $96,000 as a team!
Raised
$140,000+
More than 400 supporters came together for our 2 annual Galas in celebration of the collective efforts of our 18 Champions who raised funds and awareness to support our mission!
Albany | Rochester
Raised
$400,000
Nearly 250 supporters came together for our annual Party for a Purpose Cocktail Reception, sponsored by Klingman & Associates and The Charles A. Mastronardi Foundation, in celebration of our mission of inclusion and local New York City programs.
We couldn’t have done it without you.
THANK YOU
