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5 people are interested
Best Buddies Washington Citizens Peer Buddies (Seattle)
ORGANIZATION: Best Buddies WA/OR
Please visit the new page to apply.
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5 people are interested
Best Buddies Citizens creates one-to-one friendships between adults with and without intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) in workplaces and in the community. These opportunities for friendship and inclusion are especially important for adults with IDD, who often have limited opportunities for social
connections as they age. This opportunity is open to anyone of any age over 18.
Through these efforts, the Best Buddies Citizens program strives to build a community where everyone is valued and feels a sense of belonging. YOU DO NOT NEED TO HAVE PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE WITH INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO JOIN THE CITIZENS PROGRAM!
Benefits:
- By spending time with one another, the lives of both individuals are enhanced through a mutually enriching friendship
- Everyone involved with the program learns to see the world from a brand new perspective, becoming more understanding, patient and accepting of others
- Regular in-person and virtual group events
- Best Buddies annual survey results indicate that the majority of participants in the program feel less isolated and experience improved mental health and a better quality of life as a result of their involvement.
Participation requirements:
- Must be 18 years old or older
- Can be within 30 minutes of Seattle, WA (if outside of Seattle, connect with us about bringing Citizens to your area!)
- Have a genuine interest in forming a new friendship
- Connect with Best Buddies staff to determine if the Citizens program is the right fit for you
- Submit a membership application at www.bestbuddies.org/join
- Complete a background screening
- Required for individuals with and without disabilities
- All participants must have cleared background screenings in order to be matched or attend Best Buddies Citizens Program events.
- There is a fee for the background check, though fee assistance is available in some markets
- Complete an interview with the Best Buddies staff
- The program attempts to match individuals who:
- Are within the same age range
- Share common interests
- Live or work in close proximity to each other
A Best Buddies friendship is like any other!
- Aside from the fee associated with the background screening (fee assistance available in some markets), there is no cost for this program
- Each person is responsible for paying their own way for outings. Keep in mind that there are many activities and events that you can enjoy together at no cost at all
More opportunities with Best Buddies WA/OR
No additional volunteer opportunities at this time.
About Best Buddies WA/OR
Location:
220 Blair street, #3317, Friday harbor, WA 98250, US
Mission Statement
Best Buddies International is dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with and without intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships, leadership development, and integrated employment.
Description
Best Buddies is the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical, and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our programs empower the special abilities of people with IDD by supporting the formation of meaningful friendships with peers, securing successful jobs, living independently, and improving public speaking, self-advocacy, and communication skills. Over the past four years, Best Buddies in Washington and Oregon has grown to over 15 school friendship programs (K-College), adult community friendship programs in Seattle and Portland, and will be opening a jobs program in Washington (in winter 2023).
CAUSE AREAS
WHEN
WHERE
Multiple locations Seattle, WA 98105
DATE POSTED
February 8, 2023
SKILLS
GOOD FOR
N/A
REQUIREMENTS
- Background Check
- Must be at least 18
- Participants commit to at least one year of friendship, to get together in person with their buddy for a minimum of four hours per month, and maintain weekly contact (phone, email, social media, etc.).
- Have a genuine interest in forming a new friendship and complete a background screening at around $18 - fee assistance often available. Required for individuals with and without IDD.