One-To-One Friendships
Builds friendships between people with and without IDD, offering social mentoring while improving the quality of life and level of inclusion.
Integrated
Employment
Secures jobs for people with IDD, allowing them to earn an income, pay taxes, and support themselves.
Leadership Development
Educates and empowers people with and without IDD, to be leaders, public speakers and advocates.
Inclusive
Living
Providing a vibrant, integrated living opportunity for people with and without IDD.
“Best Buddies gives people with special abilities a chance to make friends, speak up, be heard and advocate for themselves and others within their community.”
Support Inclusion Today!
Your one-time or monthly donation will help us create more opportunities for enhancing the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Events
Multiple Dates
Chicago & Naperville, IL
Join us for monthly Citizens Events throughout the Chicagoland area!
October 2025
Central IL & Chicago
Join us at the Champion of the Year Galas, an event benefiting Best Buddies in Illinois.
Spring 2026
Chicago, Normal, & Will County, IL
Join us as we walk in support of Best Buddies’ mission of inclusion.
News & Stories
Working to make Springfield more inclusive, Best Buddies held their Friendship Walk at Lincoln Land Community College. The event serves as a way to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities build friendships and find jobs.
Read more about Megan, our amazing Jobs participant and Changemaker this month!
Learn more about our amazing September Changemaker Brooklin!
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