Best Buddies Program

Evansville ARC has formed a partnership with the University of Evansville (UE) to establish a Best Buddies chapter in our community. Evansville ARC serves as the Host Site Coordinator and UE hosts the chapter on their campuses.

Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships. Best Buddies is a vibrant, international organization that has grown from one original chapter to more than 1,000 middle school, high school, and college campuses across the country and internationally.

Best Buddies partners individuals with disabilities with students at various academic institutions. In this case, the UE students who participate in the program are called “college buddies.”

As Host Site Coordinator, Evansville ARC:

• Recruits individuals with disabilities in our community to participate in this program
• Coordinates and processes the applications from individuals interested in participating
• Provides education and support to the college chapter (i.e. how to communicate with an individual with disabilities)

A College Buddy:

• Agrees to make a long-term commitment to the program
• Has weekly contact with his or her buddy by either e-mail, phone or in person
• Meets with his or her buddy once a month for a one-on-one activity

If a college student cannot participate as a full-fledged best buddy, Best Buddies has established a way for college students with limited personal time to still be able to participate. College students may connect with individuals with disabilities through an online friendship program, e-Buddies; or, they may become an Associate Buddy where they can attend chapter events but don’t take on the full responsibility of being a buddy.

For more information about the program or to request an application,
please call Crystal Sisson at (812) 492-1206.