Many students at Hopkins look for ways to reach out and make a difference in the world, but not many are able to make a new best friend in the process. This is what Hopkins' "Best Buddies" program is dedicated to.
The Hopkins chapter of Best Buddies Colleges was founded in 1993. The group falls under the umbrella of the Johns Hopkins Center for Social Concern. The mission of the group, according to the national Best Buddies website, www.bestbuddies.org is to "enhance the lives of people living with intellectual disabilities through the creation of one-to-one friendships and integrated employment."
People with intellectual disabilities are those who have developed mentally at a slower average rate then the general population. Over 7.5 million Americans fit into this category. Best Buddies International attributes over 200 causes to intellectual disabilities including substance abuse, malnutrition, and genetic diseases such as Down Syndrome.
Buddies and their partners participate in a vast number of activities with each other. Junior Bridget Highet, treasurer of the group this year, believes the program is positive for everyone. "It really is amazing how appreciative the Buddies are of these friendships. It gives them a chance to socialize in a situation that years of Special Education dampens."
This year there are 33 participants, with students from JHU and Buddies from Coppin State College and the Baltimore Transition Connection educational program. Students from JHU are matched with Buddies from Coppin State and the Baltimore Transition Connection based on similar interests. All of this year's buddies are between 18-22 years of age. The similarity in ages has allowed closer bonds to form between the buddies and Hopkins volunteers. In the past Hopkins students were matched with Buddies from nearby St. Elizabeth's School.
Gaining new Buddies has been easier this year due to Hopkins' association with individuals from Coppin State and the Transition Center. Hopkins' college Buddy Director, junior Brian Anderson, explained the new system, "In the past, we had difficulties getting all of the Buddies to commute here. However, now they are all bus-trained and actually here on campus, so we get to spend much more time with them. It's great that they're much more independent now."
Members of the Best Buddies group are required to chat weekly with one another either by phone, email, or letters, and to meet each other in person twice a month. A large activity for all members is organized once a month as well. Past events have included visits to the Baltimore Aquarium and pumpkin decorating. This spring they hope to return to the aquarium and do something at Spring Fair. This year because the buddies are on campus, there has been much more interaction between buddies and their partners.
Anderson reports, "I can stop by and see my Buddy almost anytime. It's easy to meet up and have lunches here on campus." Most members actually exceed the minimum amount of contact required with their buddies. The bonds of friendship that form between buddies and volunteers last for far beyond one year. Anderson is still in contact with his buddy from three years ago.
Highet's fondest memory of her years of involvement is a dinner she had this part fall with her Buddy. "I went to dinner with her at Ruby Tuesday's, and she loved getting a chance to talk for three hours. I think the program is great because it brings together people who are so different on so many levels."
Anderson echoes these feelings, "The best part is seeing the smiles on their faces, to see how much it makes them happy."
Best Buddies is looking to further expand its services here at Hopkins this spring and in coming years. The Best Buddies College program is one of six components of the Best Buddies International organization. A new program within the network of Best Buddy operations is the new "e-Buddy" program. Through the use of the Internet Buddies are matched up with volunteers and exchange emails on a weekly basis. The Hopkins Best Buddy chapter is hoping to get many more students involved through the use of the e-Buddy program.
Anderson encourages potential members, "If you want to make a difference and make a genuine life-long friend, then reach out and make a huge difference in one person's life." For more information visit www.jhu.edu/csc/best_buddies.html or the national website, www.bestbuddies.org.
