Best Buddies International

Best Buddies International in Albany currently offers the school friendship program at 40 local schools from elementary to the college level.

This program creates an inclusive community for students and adults with IDD, helping them become socially integrated with their peers at every age. Additionally, Best Buddies in Albany offers e-Buddies, our e-mail pen pal program that provides safe opportunities for one-to-one online friendships for participants of all ages.

Visit www.bestbuddies.org/newyork for more information about what schools have our program and how you can get involved!

New York - Best Buddies International

Interested? Contact:

Nina Benvenuto, Program Manager of Community Engagement ninabenvenuto@bestbuddies.org or 518.235.2226

Members of the Best Buddies New York delegation showing state pride at Best Buddies Leadership Conference 2019.

NewYorkSignLC

Over 2,500 students, jobs participants, ambassadors, and community leaders from all over the world gathered at Indiana University from July 19th-22nd for the 2019 Best Buddies Leadership Conference. Over 100 students from high school and college chapters across New York State were in attendance (including 16 students with intellectual and developmental disabilities). Attendees learned how to take action and make social change in their communities while making new friends from around the globe.

Best Buddies participants from Union College and Shenendehowa High School chapters attending Summer with Best Buddies picnic.

Picnic Buddies

Best Buddies participants in Albany enjoyed a picnic at Halfmoon Town Park - one of many "Summer with Best Buddies" events that occurred throughout summer 2019. There was good food, games, dancing and much laughter for all!