Newsome High Adopts Best Buddies Program

There are already active programs at Durant and Riverview high schools. And now has adopted a Best Buddies program, promoting one-to-one friendships with people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Best Buddies is a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that "creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities," according to its website.

Founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Best Buddies is an international organization that has grown from one original chapter to almost 1,500 middle school, high school and college chapters worldwide. 

Best Buddies’ seven formal programs — Best Buddies Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies, Jobs and Ambassadors — have positively impacted nearly 700,000 individuals with and without disabilities worldwide. Best Buddies volunteers annually contribute, at no cost to their communities, support services that equate to more than $164 million.

As a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with disabilities are able to secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become inspirational leaders and make lifelong friendships, the organization says.

Cynthia Salas, area Best Buddies coordinator, said Newsome is very focused on including exceptional students in all activities.

"The staff is finding ways by way of activities to keep all students informed and engaged with Best Buddies, regardless of their limitations," said Salas. "Through programs like Best Buddies, we are finding that students naturally progress toward the idea of inclusion. With the proper information and education about kids living with disabilities, the fear and uneasiness is removed."

Best Buddies is currently serving more than 1,300 students in Hillsborough County middle schools, high schools and colleges.