While so much has changed this year at Best Buddies, our fight against the inequities facing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) has continued. If anything, it’s intensified. With the onset of the pandemic, our Friendship participants initially experienced negative consequences. Over the last seven months, we’ve been challenged like never before, and we’re rapidly adapting to meet the new demands of an increasingly virtual world. We have successfully pivoted to delivering quality programs using an array of virtual means. From interactive leadership development classes to workout classes, to the 2020 Virtual Graduation we understand the importance of social engagements that offer friendship and growth. Our supporters, like you, have made it all possible. Our largest giving association is called Team Rosemary and, like its namesake, Team Rosemary is relentless and dedicated to fostering inclusion – no matter the circumstances. Team Rosemary donors pledge to financially support our mission with generous gifts of $1,000 and above annually. September 13th would’ve been Rosemary’s 102nd birthday, and as we honor her legacy, we invite you to learn more about Team Rosemary or join our Monthly Giving* program. Help us realize the belief Rosemary inspired: that the millions of people with IDD across our world want, need, and deserve these opportunities for meaningful friendships, employment, leadership development, and inclusive living.
Catlin Skufca
State Director, Ohio *For $83/month you will be considered a member of Team Rosemary. You are also welcome to make a one-time gift. Not interested in Team Rosemary? Your gift of $19.89 a month will help us make one friendship match at a local school. Not your Average Zoom Meeting These last two weeks we were joined by nine participants from The Up Side of Downs in NE Ohio for self-advocacy and leadership development training. These individuals discussed everything from working with a disability to standing up for their civil rights to be included in our society in all aspects of our society. We also had some laughs and fun along the way. Congratulations to our newest Best Buddies Ambassadors! We can't wait to see what you do next. Upcoming Ambassador Trainings
October 5th & 12th
6 pm ET via ZOOM
We have another leadership development training coming up soon! These trainings are for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities looking to build self-advocacy skills. You are encouraged to join us by registering below.
Once you register, you will be sent an email confirmation with the Zoom link. If you have questions, require accommodations or use English as a second language, please Contact Rachel Bradshaw at [email protected] or 614-928-3383. This event is funded by The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act. Monthly To-Do List
Enter to win TWO rose gold "Arrows of Friendship" bracelets!Follow us on all three social media accounts and "like" the post from 9/22 with "Leadership is Necessary" to be entered in a drawing to receive two rose gold "Arrows of Friendship" bracelets designed especially for Best Buddies by Alex and Ani! Follow and "like" the post below by midnight on October 1st for your chance to win: FACEBOOK TWITTER INSTAGRAM |