Best Buddies of Florida

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 middle, high school, and college campuses across the country and globally. Best Buddies is active in all 50 of the United States and on six continents. Being part of Best Buddies is a life-changing experience for people with intellectual disabilities. These friendships help to improve the self-esteem, confidence and feelings of self-worth of participants. Best Buddies is also an extraordinary experience for people without intellectual disabilities. As a result of their friendship, volunteers have an increased understanding of themselves, a more positive feeling about their lives, a new respect for the challenges facing people with intellectual disabilities and an increased commitment to public service that will last a lifetime.