“I joined to make new friends and be more independent, and it’s close to my new job. Plus, I’m excited to do Monster Mini Golf!”

Meet Colleen Bryan, the very first resident of Best Buddies Living in New Brunswick. Colleen, a recent graduate of The College of New Jersey, was eager to take her next step toward independence.

Best Buddies Living, an inclusive residential program launched in 2019, has expanded across the country, including its first-ever New Jersey location. Residents live with three roommates, each with their own bedroom and bathroom. They participate in weekly group activities and dinners while receiving ongoing support from Best Buddies staff to help them achieve their personal goals.

Since moving in August, Colleen has secured a job as a 1:1 Aide at a school for students with disabilities aged 3-21+. She is thriving both personally and professionally, making meaningful strides toward her future goals.

“I wanted to see if I could gain more independence, meet new people, and be more productive.” Alex Prautzsch comments, burger in hand, at the program’s weekly group dinner. “[Best Buddies Living is] new and fresh!”

“We’ve created an environment that mirrors the typical roommate experience, but with a deep emphasis on our core values of inclusion, friendship, and empowerment,” said Sean Heaney, the Residential Manager who lives on-site at the program.

Best Buddies Living is unlike any other residential program—it brings people with and without disabilities together as roommates, working hand-in-hand to build a vibrant, supportive community where friendships are formed, and independence is nurtured.

“I’m getting to know myself, really,” said Lokana Shankara, a Graduate Student studying Data Science at Rutgers University who came to New Brunswick from India in August. “I used to stay alone in the house, and now that I’m going out and meeting people, I’m learning a lot about myself!”

“My favorite part [of Best Buddies Living] is the sense of community.” said Dylan Ellis, a sophomore studying genetics at Rutgers University. Dylan became a Best Buddies Living resident this September and shares what the program has meant to him: “It was a new experience to me, and I thought it would be beneficial to join a community. Everyone here has been so wonderful!”

Best Buddies is currently seeking residents to join the Best Buddies Living community in New Brunswick, located at The Standard of New Brunswick. If you or someone you know may be interested in applying or learning more, contact living@bestbuddies.org or visit bestbuddies.org/living.