Katie Meade, a young woman with an intellectual disability, has this to say about her participation in Best Buddies:
“I am helping to break down the barriers people with intellectual disabilities face every day. There are still people out there who think people with disabilities can’t do the same things they can. But I prove them wrong by being a full-time employee, volunteer, and friend. I believe in myself and all people with disabilities, and I know we can make the world see the abilities of people with disabilities.”
What if we could spread the Best Buddies mission to every state in the nation, including yours? What if every person with intellectual disability had the chance, as Katie has had through Best Buddies, to achieve their dreams? You can help the world see the abilities of people with disabilities!
We are thrilled to have legislation pending before Congress that, if passed, would enable us to open a Best Buddies office in every state. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the bill in April, and it is now in the Senate.
We need your help to move this important piece of legislation! Would you contact New Mexico Senators Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall and ask them to co-sponsor S.694, The Best Buddies Empowerment for People with Intellectual Disabilities Act of 2009? Once this bill becomes law, we could secure the funds necessary to launch Best Buddies in all 50 states.
To contact Senator Bingaman, call 505-346-6601 or click below to send an e-mail:
http://bingaman.senate.gov/contact/types/email-issue.cfm
To contact Senator Udall, call 505-346-6791 or click below to send an e-mail:
http://tomudall.senate.gov/contact/contact.cfm
Our participants, faculty advisors, parents, and supporters speak best for the impact of Best Buddies. According to Heather Dana-Lozano, Faculty Advisor at Cajon High School, “Best Buddies benefits people with disabilities, as well as people without. Lives are changed and friendships are created…There is no club on campus that has made more of an impact on the lives of the students and staff than Best Buddies.”
Working together, we can make a difference in the lives of thousands of children and adults with intellectual disabilities and help build a truly inclusive society. Thank you so much for your help. It is supporters like you who keep Best Buddies strong.
Thank you.
All the best,
Anthony K. Shriver
Founder and Chairman
Best Buddies International
Best Buddies is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our mission is to enhance the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships and integrated employment. Visit www.bestbuddies.org to find out more.
You must log in to post a comment.