{"id":182912,"date":"2024-07-10T09:49:33","date_gmt":"2024-07-10T13:49:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/?p=182912"},"modified":"2024-07-10T09:49:33","modified_gmt":"2024-07-10T13:49:33","slug":"celebrating-the-incredible-impact-of-jill-ruggiero-an-outstanding-best-buddies-advisor-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/pennsylvania\/celebrating-30-years-of-best-buddies-in-pennsylvania","title":{"rendered":"Celebrating 30 years of Best Buddies in Pennsylvania"},"content":{"rendered":"
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_single_image image=”182915″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css=”” link=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=h7kuyl0rB0Yhttp:\/\/”][vc_column_text css=””]As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Best Buddies in Pennsylvania, we are reminded of the incredible journey that began in 1994 and the unwavering dedication of our volunteers, participants, and supporters. From our humble beginnings at Penn State University and Kutztown University to our expansion into high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools, our mission to foster inclusion and friendships for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) has grown in remarkable ways.<\/p>\n

In 1994, Best Buddies made its debut in Pennsylvania with the establishment of our first college chapters at Penn State University and Kutztown University. These pioneering chapters laid the foundation for a movement that would touch the lives of thousands across the state. The enthusiasm and commitment of students, faculty, and community members set the stage for what was to come.<\/p>\n

Recognizing the need to reach younger individuals, we introduced high school programs in 1997. Archbishop John Carroll High School became the first high school in Pennsylvania to embrace the Best Buddies mission. This expansion allowed us to create meaningful friendships during the formative high school years, fostering a culture of inclusion and acceptance.<\/p>\n

\"30<\/p>\n

In 2011, we took another significant step by launching middle school programs. Stetson Middle School was among the first to join our cause, providing students with the opportunity to develop friendships and leadership skills early in their educational journey. These programs have been instrumental in shaping the social and emotional growth of young students.<\/p>\n

Our commitment to inclusion and friendship continued to grow with the introduction of elementary school programs in 2019. KD Markley Elementary, Riverside Elementary, and Burchfield Primary School were among the first to embrace the Best Buddies mission at the elementary level. These programs have allowed us to instill the values of friendship and acceptance in even our youngest participants.<\/p>\n

Today, Best Buddies in Pennsylvania boasts 145 chapters across the state, impacting almost 7,000 people through our school friendship programs. This is a testament to the dedication and passion of our volunteers and supporters. We are proud to uphold three of the five Best Buddies pillars: Friendship, Leadership Development, and Inclusive Living.<\/p>\n

\"30<\/p>\n

Our Friendship programs continue to create one-to-one friendships between individuals with and without IDD, fostering a sense of belonging and connection. Our Leadership Development programs empower individuals with IDD to become leaders and advocates for themselves and their peers. Through training, workshops, and opportunities for public speaking, participants develop essential skills that enable them to contribute meaningfully to their communities.<\/p>\n

This fall, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our Inclusive Living program at Penn State University. This initiative will provide individuals with IDD the opportunity to live independently with their peers in a supportive and inclusive environment. It represents a significant milestone in our mission to create opportunities for all individuals to live fulfilling and self-determined lives.<\/p>\n

As we reflect on the past 30 years, we are profoundly grateful to the countless volunteers, participants, families, and supporters who have made this journey possible. Your dedication, enthusiasm, and belief in the power of inclusion have been the driving force behind our success. Together, we have built a community that celebrates diversity, fosters meaningful relationships, and empowers individuals with IDD to reach their full potential.<\/p>\n

As we look to the future, we are excited to continue our mission and expand our impact. We invite you to join us in celebrating this remarkable milestone and to be a part of the next chapter in the Best Buddies story. Together, we can create a world where everyone is included and valued, and where the bonds of friendship know no bounds.<\/p>\n

Thank you for being a part of our journey and for making the last 30 years truly extraordinary. Here’s to the next 30 years of friendship, inclusion, and empowerment with Best Buddies in Pennsylvania! Click here to support these efforts<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”22px”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Celebrating three decades of fostering friendships and inclusion for individuals with IDD.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2080,"featured_media":182915,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"pa-single-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[529],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-182912","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pennsylvania-news"],"yoast_head":"\nCelebrating 30 years of Best Buddies in Pennsylvania - Best Buddies International<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/onwardstate.com\/2023\/03\/01\/best-buddies-penn-state-helps-foster-personal-friendships-through-loving-local-community\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Celebrating 30 years of Best Buddies in Pennsylvania - 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