Best Buddies
Email us! vis_BestBuddies@emich.edu
Eastern Michigan University’s Best Buddies program creates mentor-like opportunities for students and developmentally disabled young men and women. Best Buddies is an international program that was initially designed to pair developmentally disabled participants with college students to create the bond of friendship that is important to the daily lives of any individual. Since its creation in 1989 Best Buddies has grown into 6 different programs; middle school, high school, college, international, citizens, e-buddies, and jobs. The goals of this program are to help in the integration of its participants socially and help to find them jobs.
At EMU we work with buddies that are anywhere from 18 to 26 years-old, building a relationship of trust between the college students and their buddies. Meeting anywhere from 2-4 times in a month students and their buddies spend time doing normal social activities. Going to the movies, hanging out around the house, and running errands are common activities. 
Each year the Best Buddies program at EMU hosts the Best Buddies Ball around Valentine’s Day. Since 1998 this semi-formal event has given the buddies and their college student partners an opportunity to socialize in a safe and healthy environment. This is a much looked forward to event, on all sides of the experience. 
