Mission Profiles

Yasmin & Aiden

Friendship Program Participants in Virginia

From their smiles, easy conversations, and evident friendship, watching Aiden and Yasmin at the Best Buddies Friendship Walk with their high school team perfectly illustrates the Best Buddies mission in action. As seniors at Thomas Edison High School, Aiden and Yasmin have been matched in a one-to-one friendship since freshman year, and Best Buddies has made a lasting impact on their lives. Their commitment is clear through Yasmin’s leadership as Chapter President and Aiden’s role as Buddy Director over the past two years.

Aiden loves being friends with Yasmin, sharing, “I love to go out to lunch with my buddy, Yasmin, and play games in the cafeteria like Headbands, Spot It, and Jenga.” Yasmin fondly remembers their first Best Buddies Prom, which was also their first prom ever, as one of her favorite memories with Aiden.

Best Buddies has profoundly impacted the Edison High School community through various events organized by the chapter, including Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign. Seeing so many friendships between people with different abilities from across Virginia and D.C. reminded Aiden and Yasmin that they are part of a welcoming and cherished community.

As Aiden and Yasmin prepare to graduate this year, they have messages for their fellow students. Aiden encourages, “everyone at Edison to keep up the good work,” while Yasmin urges members to “stay involved with the Best Buddies community – it is simply the best!”

– Aiden and Yasmin, Best Buddies Friendship Pair

Robin

Jobs program - Klingman & Associates, LLC.

Robin currently works as an office manager at Klingman & Associates, LLC, a wealth management firm, in New York City. She has been with the company for over five and a half years, starting as an intern in January 2019 and transitioning to a full-time role after two months.

At her job, she uses her administrative skills, collaboration, Microsoft Office, customer service, and organizational skills. She has also learned to use programs like Tamarac CRM, a web-based client relationship management system, book travel arrangements, manage multiple calendars, and continues to acquire new skills as she works. Robin works 40 hours a week and enjoys a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid vacation, medical care, a retirement plan, dental care, vision care, and sick days.

Since securing her job, Robin has been able to experience more of the city and travel, feeling supported by her job and close-knit colleagues at Klingman & Associates, who feel like family to her. Robin’s daily responsibilities include scanning and uploading checks into the system, preparing conference rooms for clients and the team, printing and scanning documents for colleagues, and mailing documents to clients and wholesalers.

Before joining Klingman & Associates, she worked at the local Pet He alth Store. Before getting involved with Best Buddies, Robin explored different career paths and job opportunities and was referred to the Best Buddies Jobs program by Access VR, a program that helps individuals with disabilities achieve and maintain employment.

Her future goals include taking courses to further her education, running another marathon or half-marathon, traveling more, learning different languages, and learning how to play golf. Robin looks forward to continuing her education, both in financial planning and other fields.

Fran

Leadership Development program - Global Ambassador

“It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Flava Fran! Autistic rapping Jew, overcomer, future homeless shelter founder, and Best Buddies Global Ambassador. I live in Dallas, Texas where I work at a preschool, thanks to the Best Buddies Jobs program and my jobs coach, Cheyenne. It is the most amazing job in the entire universe! I hope more people with disabilities will see it is possible to achieve their dream job, and that employers will give us a chance. My job brings so much light to my life and I hope to make your life brighter.

I believe the world is butterflies and rainbows! People try to tell me that it’s not, but I try to see the bright side in every situation. When I said I was an overcomer it was because I’m a survivor of 18 years of physical abuse. During my struggles, I learned to find joy in the little things like flowers and pretty colors. Another bright side is that my rough past gave me the drive to help others. A good way to find bright sides is through music. I love to write and perform uplifting raps to spread love and positive messages. Best Buddies has given me an outlet to spread even more love. From the Jobs program to the Ambassadors program to the Best Buddies Friendships Walks to hanging out with my buddies, Best Buddies has given me the biggest bright side I’ve ever had.

Before I conclude, I want you all to know that a big bright side is coming. When I introduced myself at the beginning of the speech I said future homeless shelter founder. My dream is to one day build a homeless shelter and call it the Bright side Homeless Shelter. That’s my dream, but I want all of you to know I believe in your dreams, and whether you have a disability or not, you can make your dreams come true; and looking on the bright side sure does help!

Best Buddies is the biggest bright side! Thank you all so much.”

– Fran, Best Buddies Global Ambassador

Rubin

Inclusive Living program - Resident

Before joining Best Buddies Living: Miami in January 2024, Rubin lived with his grandmother, sisters, niece, and nephew. In his new home, Rubin has his own room and bathroom and shares a living and kitchen space. The apartment building is just blocks from the University of Miami, providing residents with access to the campus and all events through a partnership between the school and the program. Residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), like Rubin, are also taught independent living skills by an on-site residential manager.

Rubin’s favorite aspects of being a resident at Best Buddies Living: Miami includes going out, bonding with his roommates, helping others, and cooking. He enjoys game nights, playing pool, joking and laughing, and having conversations with his housemates. Through the program, Rubin has learned important life and independent living skills. “Through the Best Buddies Living program, I’ve learned how to be on my own, make better decisions for my life, and how to become a better person,” said Rubin.

Since joining Best Buddies, Rubin’s life has changed for the better. He became more involved with the organization, including serving as a state ambassador, a role that empowers individuals with IDD to become leaders, public speakers, and advocates. Best Buddies also helped him secure a job with the Hialeah Fire Department. In this position, Rubin supports his boss Nikita with administrative tasks and assists the entire department with their day-to-day duties. He also enjoys greeting people and helping with fire reports. His salary has doubled since being hired, and he receives benefits including paid time off, health insurance, and a 401(k)-matching plan. Rubin encourages others with intellectual and developmental disabilities to join the Best Buddies Living program:

“Others should join Best Buddies Living to experience independent living and discover more about themselves. At Best Buddies Living, you basically live on your own. You will know how it feels to live on your own and have the opportunity to develop your independent living skills,” said Rubin.

Caroline Cardenas

Family Support Mentor

There is nothing quite like connecting with someone who knows what you’re going through. With all the blessings that our daughter’s IDD has brought our family, the only challenge we had was that there was no handbook on what to do. The support of other parents and families helped guide us, ease our worries, and connect us to whatever we needed. Eunie’s Buddies, helps bridge the gap for all parents so that you’ll never walk alone.

Lily has changed our lives in the most profound way. She has taught us unconditional love, joy, patience, and kindness. When Lily was Diagnosed with Down syndrome, we grieved the child we thought we were going to have. If I could go back, I would not have shed one tear. We remain eternally grateful for her life.

Best Buddies is the biggest bright side! Thank you all so much.”

– Fran, Best Buddies Global Ambassador