Want to make a new friend and have a positive impact on someone’s life? Then check out Best Buddies, an international, nonprofit organization that matches intellectually disabled individuals with volunteers, creating the opportunity to form one-to-one friendships.
    

Those with intellectual disabilities – some 7.5 million Americans – are often neglected, and consequently experience lives filled with rejection and isolation. With the help of volunteers like you, Best Buddies helps these undervalued individuals become accepted and assimilated into society.
    

Anthony Striver, inspired by his relationship with his severely mentally disabled aunt, Rosemary Kennedy, founded Best Buddies in 1989. Most of what he knew about his aunt was what she could not do, until one day in the swimming pool with her, he was struck profoundly that she could swim better than anyone else in his family. Unlike most activities in which she required assistance, here was something that she could not only do independently, but also do well. Shriver continues with the pool metaphor as a basic tenet of Best Buddies, believing that all intellectually challenged individuals have their own pool (or talents) and the ability to swim, but they need our help to discover that pool, and to celebrate it so they can function effectively as part of our communities. He would be pleased if one day the organization no longer existed, because that would mean these individuals have been integrated successfully into society.
  

The local chapter of Best Buddies conducts a college program at the University of San Francisco (2310 Fulton Street) where it will also sponsor its annual Festival of Friendship on April 5, from noon-3:00 p.m. at Harney Plaza. The event features a “Run for the Buds,” celebrity guests, live entertainment, and other activities. Contact John Fragale for more information at 415-503-1791.
    

To find your own buddy, and to give the gift of friendship, attend the upcoming volunteer orientation on April 17. The monthly time commitment is small, just one weekly phone call and one monthly outing – Best Buddies will even give you suggestions for where to go. Or, be an e-Buddy and make a friend online. Call Lexie Levine at 415-503-1791 to find out how; visit www.bestbuddiescalifornia.org for additional information.

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