Best Buddies Citizens, a program that fosters friendships between adults with and without developmental disabilities, is seeking volunteers without disabilities to connect with Franklin County residents in need of a match.

“We have a lot of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities who are in our pipeline waiting for a one-to-one friendship,” said Shannon Wilson, senior program manager for Best Buddies in Ohio.

Franklin County DD provides grant funding for the local Best Buddies Citizens initiative, which has a goal of making 20 Franklin County friendship matches this year.

While other Best Buddies friendship initiatives focus on people in elementary, middle and high schools and college, Best Buddies Citizens is for adults. The aim is to promote community inclusion for adults with developmental disabilities after school ends and at all stages of life.

“While friendships are important to all of us, adults with DD sometimes struggle to make those connections,” said Ryan Phillips, Director of Communications, Advocacy and Community Relations at Franklin County DD.

“The Best Buddies Citizens program helps everyone feel a sense of belonging, whether they’re out and about in the community or just hanging with a friend,” Phillips said. “We’re proud to support it.”

Learn more about volunteering with Best Buddies Citizens:

Visit https://www.bestbuddies.org/ohio/get-involved/ or email ohio@bestbuddies.org