Best Buddies
Best Buddies High Schools pair students with intellectual disabilities in one-to-one friendships with main stream high school students to promote socialization opportunities both on campus and in the community. Without friends and family, we are alone. In the past, individuals with intellectual disabilities have not had the opportunity to have friends outside of their own special education classroom. By becoming a High School Peer Buddy, volunteers offer a Buddy the chance to explore a new way of life and feel included in the high school environment.
Brendan Crooks (L) Martin Tomoser (R)
Our Involvement
Patti Crooks teaches the mentally handicapped at Martin County High School in Stuart, Florida where she started a Best Buddies chapter. The buddies built a homecoming float, went to the homecoming dance and the powder puff game. Holiday celebrations, bowling and a movie night are some of the activities the group enjoys. Hands On Tzedakah sponsors this very special club which has grown from 32 members to 70 as a new unit of Trainable Mentally Disabled students arrived. An additional $1,600 is needed to expand this Best Buddies chapter to 70 buddies.
Rebecca Hill (L) Angelica Mendez (R)
Contact Information:
Patti Crooks, Best Buddies Advisor, E-mail: crooksp@martin.k12.fl.us
