Undergraduate student Sophia Eick is currently working toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Delaware. Also passionate about giving back to the community, Sophia Eick volunteered with Best Buddies in 2019. During this time, she met with an assigned buddy in the community every week or two.

A nonprofit organization, Best Buddies International creates one-to-one friendship opportunities for people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The organization’s friendship programs are one of its four key mission pillars.

One of these programs is Best Buddies Middle Schools, which fosters friendships with middle school students both with and without IDD who have shared interests and experiences. Such connections create more inclusive middle school cultures for all students.

Best Buddies High Schools provides the same inclusivity and focuses on helping young people break through any social barriers in their lives. High school students who are going through the same emotional and social development partner with each other as part of this program.

College students who have IDD also receive support through Best Buddies thanks to its Best Buddies College program. Peers without IDD serve as the buddies for these young adults, helping them feel less isolated in their work environments and at home. The program encourages participation by people with IDD in their communities and on their local campuses.

People with IDD who are no longer in school form one-on-one friendships through Best Buddies Citizens. The program encourages involvement in civic and corporate communities. In doing so, it helps people with IDD feel more included in mainstream society.

Finally, there is the e-Buddies program. While the focus of this program remains on forming one-to-one friendships, it also promotes technological literacy and online socialization skills for people who have IDD.