Featured Profile

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.