Grantee Case Study: Best Buddies
Mission
Best Buddies is dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
ACF Commitment
In Fall 2024, Best Buddies was awarded a $50,000 multi-year grant to help expand and strengthen its Pre-Employment Transition Services (ETS) and Jobs programs in Greater Boston.
Best Buddies’ Pre-Employment Transition Services (ETS) and Jobs programs combine classroom-based employment training workshops, experiential learning opportunities, and corporate mentorship. Designed for students aged 14–22, the hands-on curriculum focuses on self-advocacy and leadership-skills development for the workplace, exploration of work interests and relevant employment opportunities, and engagement in critical job-readiness skills.
Throughout the year, Best Buddies served 382 participants in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Opportunity to Thrive
When I first started with Best Buddies in 2017, Best Buddies gave me an opportunity no one else had — the opportunity to grow and evolve into the person I am today and to have a job that I love so much.
— Jose, Jobs Program Participant, Best Buddies