Best Buddies Jobs creates employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), allowing them to earn an income, pay taxes, and continuously and independently support themselves. As part of the supported employment program, Best Buddies provides participants with transportation training and seeks to alleviate transportation barriers.

With the help of Lyft, Best Buddies in California and New Jersey have eased transportation difficulties for many Best Buddies Jobs participants. Lyft awards local nonprofits with grants in the form of Lyft ride credit to a variety of local nonprofits. This quarter, Best Buddies in New Jersey was selected as a grant recipient, receiving $150,000 in transportation credit.

Lyft’s Jobs Access Program aims to close transportation gaps related to employment access and job training. Reliable transportation to a job interview and/or to the first few weeks of work can mean the difference between successful, long-term employment and lost opportunities.

The program will provide free or reduced-price rides to individuals with disabilities and other targeted groups, through partnerships with nonprofits, in more than 35 markets across the U.S. and Canada.

Lyft driver with passenger.