With 22 school chapters across Montgomery County, and counting, Best Buddies is quietly transforming lives through the power of friendship.
The international nonprofit, which has an Eastern PA office in King of Prussia, creates opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to build friendships and thrive.
In Philadelphia, they focus on friendship matching, leadership development, and community events. At the heart of Best Buddies is its one-to-one friendship program. Students with and without IDD are paired through school chapters or as adults in the Citizens Program.
“The research shows that even in group settings, people with IDD tend to congregate by themselves,” said Kelly Bertolette, the Eastern PA Best Buddies Development Director. “That’s why we really focus on those one-to-one connections.”
These aren’t mentorships or caregiving roles. They are genuine friendships built on shared interests and mutual respect.
In addition to the school-based friendship chapters, Best Buddies offers a Citizens Program for adults, complete with monthly social events like game nights, virtual trivia, and a popular annual Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park.
The leadership development pillar gives participants a chance to build soft skills such as public speaking, networking, and resume writing, often through partnerships with local companies like BNP Paribas in Chesterbrook. Meanwhile, King of Prussia Mall hosts the organization’s Friendship Walk each spring, drawing a wide range of community support.
The program also encourages inclusive hiring and future expansion into job placement, housing, and family support. But right now, one of their greatest needs is simple: more buddies.
“We need buddies,” Bertolette said. “You don’t have to commit it it. Just meet us. Our Citizens event are open to the public.”
In Montco and beyond, Best Buddies is helping to reimagine what inclusion looks like, and creating space for everyone to thrive.
Learn more about Best Buddies’ incredible work and how you can get involved by visiting Best Buddies.
