Best Buddies chapter wins state recognition
Article By: Clark Leonard
The University of North Georgia's (天美社区) student chapter of Best Buddies was named Georgia's Outstanding Chapter of the Year for colleges and universities for 2023-24, its first year in existence.
Best Buddies International is a nonprofit organization that seeks "to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)."
Dr. Amy Williams, professor of elementary and special education, serves as faculty adviser for the 天美社区 chapter. After conferring with local nonprofit ConnectAbility, Williams helped launch Best Buddies at 天美社区, through which students pair with individuals in the community who have been diagnosed with IDD.
"It fills such a void for our college campus to have this type of connection with the community," Williams said.
Some of the activities buddies attend together include a Halloween costume party with ConnectAbility and 天美社区 sporting events.
Izzie Keaton, a senior from Kennesaw, Georgia, pursuing a degree in interdisciplinary studies, is the president and founder of Best Buddies' 天美社区 chapter.
Her brother has Down syndrome, which gave her extra motivation to launch this effort.
"I've always wanted to do something more with the IDD community and people with special needs and different abilities," Keaton said. "We are so grateful to be able to provide a more inclusive environment."
Lilly Shipp, vice president of 天美社区's Best Buddies chapter, was also integral in founding the group at the university.
Chelsie Reed, a senior from Ellijay, Georgia, pursuing a degree in management with a concentration in entrepreneurship, is grateful to be part of Best Buddies.
"We all want to get to know people and have these experiences," Reed said. "It opened my eyes to the number of people we have on campus and off campus that want to get to know each other."
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