In 2015, we expanded from 18 to 24 school friendship programs in middle schools, high schools, and colleges across the state. Since Fall 2015, our newest chapters have created an immediate impact. Following Best Buddies' student-run model, these chapters established successful one-to-one friendships, organized engaging social events, and executed meaningful advocacy campaigns.

We hope to keep this positive momentum going in 2016. However, our ability to open new schools hinges on the support of our fellow Kentuckians. Thank you for your consideration!

(Pictured above: Sydney, Grace, and Sarah)

Garrett and Jack are students at duPont Manual High School in Louisville, Kentucky. They are matched in a one-to-one, Best Buddies friendship, and will serve as the Honorary Buddy Pair for the 2016 Best Buddies Friendship Walk.

As a pair, Garrett and Jack demonstrate the kind of meaningful friendship that can exist when the barriers between students with and without disabilities are lowered.

Watch Jack and Garrett's story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxxED0zcUr0

Best Buddies Kentucky is always looking for volunteers for upcoming events. In Spring 2016, we will be hosting the following:

- Ambassador Training (Speech Coaches needed) - Saturday, March 12
- Friendship Ball (set-up, food tables, etc needed) - Friday, March 18
- Best Buddies Friendship Walk - Saturday, April 16

If you're interested in any of these events, or in additional opportunities to volunteer, please email BrendanMcNickle@bestbuddies.org

Suggested Donations

• Two-Handed Slam! ($10.00)
• 15-Foot Jump Shot, Off the Glass ($20.00)
• From Behind the Arc... Swish! ($50.00)

Funding Needs

More than 82% of donations to Best Buddies Kentucky are directly applied to our programs (Middle School, High School, and College School Friendship chapters, as well as Best Buddies Ambassadors, a program which offers public speaking and self-advocacy training).

We had a great year in 2015 which resulted in six new school programs and an expanded schedule of statewide events for participants. We hope to maintain this positive momentum and open additional chapters across the state.

Our long term goals include a Citizens program to match adults in one-to-one friendships, as well as a Jobs program to secure integrated employment opportunities for capable, yet under-utilized adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.