SDLC builds bonds with mentally disabled buddies

Jennifer Beebe
Staff Writer

Best Buddies is an international non-profit organization that works with people who are living with mental disabilities. Worldwide, Best Buddies is composed of many united chapters. They include middle school, high school and neighborhood-based groups.
The organization has over 360 college chapters, one of which is present on the Etown campus. The club pairs college students with community members with disabilities.
A host coordinator, linked to the College, facilitates the connection between student and community member. From this match, a one-on-one relationship is left to thrive and develop into a meaningful bond for both individuals.
Buddies may range from 18 to 80 years of age. Students are paired with their buddy for as long as the match is possible. Both sides benefit from the long-term association. They keep in touch through weekly e-mails, letters or phone conversations. Twice a month, buddies and students meet up to communicate on a more personal level. One of their meetings takes the form of a group outing, scheduled by club officers.
The four officers of the Best Buddies group reside in the Helping Hands SDLC. Junior Lindsay Nestor serves as the Buddy Director, the equivalent of a president.
Before becoming involved with the group, Nestor had worked with people with disabilities for years. Buddies, she said, brighten her outlook on life. She could be having the most awful day imaginable, and one smile from her buddy will wash away her worries.
"Buddies really remind you what life is all about," Nestor said.
Junior Lauren Heintzelman is the treasurer of Best Buddies.
She said she didn't know much about the organization when she decided to live in the SDLC, but wished to help the community in some way through service. In time, she discovered a hidden love for working and interacting with the buddies.
"[The buddies are] doing more for me than I am doing for them," Heintzelman said.
Junior Karen Duhai acts as the membership coordinator, or secretary, of Best Buddies.
This is her first year in the program, and she is just beginning to explore the bond of a buddy relationship. Duhai's interest was sparked by the enthusiasm of other club members. She looks forward to an incredible experience.
Finally, junior Lauren Willard is the activities coordinator of Best Buddies.
She was introduced to the group through Nestor and became hooked after attending her first outing with the buddies. Forming bonds with her buddies gives her a feeling of fulfillment, as if she has made a true impact on their lives.
Best Buddies has many activities planned for this fall and spring semester. To kick off the year, an ice cream social will be held at which club members will meet their buddies for the first time.
For Into the Streets, a Halloween Dance is planned for the athletes of the Special Olympics. Also, a workshop will be offered to buddies, at which a speaker will address issues of discrimination. Future Best Buddies fundraisers will include a bowl-a-thon and walk-a-thon.
In its 11th year at the College, Best Buddies is thriving as an organization that promotes social bonds and provides support for members of the community with mental disabilities. Both student and buddy gain an invaluable life experience through their interaction.

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