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Best Buddies

Upcoming Events:

These events are for EES students and staff only

  • September 17th: Welcome Meeting @ 2:00 PM
  • October 16th: Down Syndrome Awareness  Walk @ 9:15 AM
  • November 19th: Meeting @ 2:00 PM
  • December 17th: Meeting @ 2:00 PM

 Please reach out to Misti Vandenhouten with any questions.

 

What is Best Buddies?

Two figures hugging, Best Buddies logo
  • Open to 4th-5th students or any student with an IEP or 504.
  • The goal of Best Buddies is to create friendships between students with and without disabilities. 
  • Students must be willing to interact and include students with disabilities throughout the school day, during meetings, and outside of school if possible.
  • Meetings are held once a month from 2:00-2:30 PM. Students may have to miss recess or specials to attend meetings. Students will have a membership for Fall, Spring, or full year.
  • If you miss 2 meetings, the advisors will review your commitment to Best Buddies. 

“Best Buddies strives to provide inclusive and supportive communities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We aim to accomplish this through our 4 Pillars, including our One-To-One Friendship Program, Leadership Development Program, Jobs Program, and Inclusive Living Program. On a school level, we connect students with disabilities to students without disabilities, so they can form meaningful friendships and feel a welcomed presence at your school through fun group activities. We are proud to have Ebenezer as one of our 36 (and growing) K-through college school chapters we serve in Georgia. As of March 2023, Ebenezer has engaged 82 members and hosted seven inclusive events. Ebenezer has the most members of all elementary schools in Georgia combined, which is to be celebrated and commended!"

- Doug Peters with the Best Buddies Organization