Best Buddies University of Miami Chapter Makes Friendships One at a Time

by Jessica Dominguez

University of Miami chapter members spend time on campus with their Buddies.

Since 1991, the University of Miami has played a pivotal role in providing one-to-one friendships to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the Best Buddies program.

With over 20 active Buddy Pairs, this chapter has continued to have a wonderful relationship with Wayside Baptist Church’s Special Ministries group for 17 years.

The chapter plans activities on a monthly basis for their College Buddies to take part in. The activities are held throughout the community as well as on-campus at the university.

An open invitation is also always extended to the College Buddies from the church, when their Buddies are participating in events such as Fall Festival and their Christmas show.

Best Buddies staff members from all over the world were recently given the opportunity to hear about one of the many great friendships that this chapter has made during the Staff Leadership Conference in January. At the beginning of the 2009-2010 school year, Martin White, was matched with his College Buddy Amy Swanson. While this is Amy’s first year in the Best Buddies program, Martin has been actively involved for over 12 years.

Through their friendship, we are able to see the impact that the Best Buddies program has made on the lives of many who are involved. Martin became involved in Best Buddies when he moved from Venezuela to Miami. Moving from a different country without his family was a very difficult transition for him.

However, after getting involved in church, he was able to expand his social horizons throughout the community and get involved in the Best Buddies program. For two years now, he has helped lead the chapter, as their Buddy Director.

Amy’s college roommate was an active member of Best Buddies before Amy joined. After hearing her roommate speak so greatly about the chapter on campus and seeing her attend all these fun events, she became interested in joining.

The University of Miami chapter keeps making wonderful friendships each school year. The chapter will be participating in their university’s Spring Involvement Fair in February with the hopes of recruiting more members.