Eunie's Buddies
Best Buddies Family Support offers families the support and resources needed to navigate the journey of raising a child with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Eunie’s Buddies serves as the pioneering program within the Family Support initiative. It is named affectionately in honor of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of Special Olympics and a true hero who advocated tirelessly for positive change in the lives of individuals with IDD.
Eunie's Buddies pairs experienced parents of a child with an IDD with new parents who are expecting, have just welcomed a baby, or are raising a child up to the age of five years old who has been recently diagnosed with an IDD. This pairing creates a mentor–mentee connection and friendship. Eunie’s Buddies provides a framework offering parents and caregivers encouragement, emotional support, and valuable resources. Participation in Eunie’s Buddies helps families pave the way for a child with IDD to have an education, gainful employment, and a fulfilled life.
![Parental Support - Eunie's Buddies lead image A circle of multiple hands are holding a paper cut-out of a family silhouette consisting of a nuclear family.](https://www.bestbuddies.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Parental-Support-Eunies-Buddies-lead-image.webp)
Join our Family Support network
![Michelle Aventajado's Quote Michelle Aventajado and her family stand beneath a verdant tree, their smiles radiating warmth and joy.](https://www.bestbuddies.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Michelle-Aventajados-Quote.webp)
A Parent's Story
Michelle Aventajado
Best Buddies Staff Member
No one wants to feel alone. Even if I understood what Down syndrome was because I was a teacher and taught in inclusive classrooms, when the neonatologist gave me a birth diagnosis of Trisomy 21, I felt the full gamut of emotions that comes along with the understanding that my parenthood journey was forever going to be different. My husband Nino and I looked to each other for comfort, but…
![Richard Carolan's quote image Heartwarming scene: Father and daughter smiling.](https://www.bestbuddies.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/EKs-Richard-Carolans-quote-498x498.webp)
Richard Carolan
Executive Director,The Carolan Foundation
I wish this program had existed when Victoria was born. I understand the emotions parents face when their child is diagnosed with an IDD, and I believe it can make a significant impact on the success of families.”
![EB Camille Costa quote EB Camille Costa quote](https://www.bestbuddies.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/EB-Camille-Costa-quote-498x498.webp)
Camille Costa
Mentor
A program like Eunie’s Buddies can be a lifeline for parents of children with IDD, offering a space to be vulnerable and connect with another parent who truly understands and welcomes you with open arms. A diagnosis is not a prognosis and having someone by your side who has navigated a similar journey can positively impact the destiny of a family and their child.”
![EB Willa Thorson quote Mother and son smiling together.](https://www.bestbuddies.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/EB-Willa-Thorson-quote-300x300.webp)
Willa Thorson
Geneticist & Mother
I was a medical geneticist, a physician specializing in taking care of children with special needs, when my son was diagnosed prenatally with Down syndrome. Despite all my knowledge about Down syndrome, I realized that I didn’t know anything about what it was like to actually parent a child with this condition. Connecting with other families is really what provided me with the tools and resources to support my son and allow him to realize his full potential. I am excited for this program to be able to connect families so they can share their stories and form lasting bonds for themselves and their children.”
In-Person Mentorship Locations
The cities shown on the map are locations where individuals can be paired with mentors or mentees who live nearby, providing the chance to interact face-to-face.
Eunie's Buddies in the Media
Frequently Asked Questions
Our mentors are parents or caregivers of a child with IDD who undergo thorough screening and training to provide you with guidance, support, and understanding. We take great care in matching you with a mentor who not only understands your needs, but also shares similar interests, cultural backgrounds, and diagnoses.
- Mentor – a unique, and rewarding opportunity to share your experience, insight and transform someone’s life.
- Community Parent Volunteer - assist with outreach, social media, coordinating local or virtual events, and other tasks! Your valuable time and skills can have a positive impact on many.
- Donate – your contribution will make a difference
If you have additional questions, please contact us at EB@bestbuddies.org.