You’re making a difference.
2025 Friendship Walk, Cleveland
Message From Our State Director
Friends,
All of us at Best Buddies in Ohio extend our deepest appreciation to our wonderful participants, families, volunteers, donors, and corporate partners for such a successful 2025! Your support and dedication to our mission helps our programs grow, creating more inclusive communities throughout our state.
Happy Holidays to you and yours and here’s to continued growth in 2026!
In Friendship, Catlin Skufca State Director
Here’s what we’ve accomplished, Because of your support in 2025
3,000 Total
30,000 Impacted Counties
One-to-one
Friendships
Meet Alicia, Rory & Katie
Best Buddies is important at our school because it truly fosters a friendship like no other in the building. Our kids are so special.
When we have friendships like Rory and Alicia, it shows that our kids are invaluable to our community. We have 40 kids who have gone through the program, and their lives have changed because of it.”
-Katie, Best Buddies High School Advisor
Leadership Development Program
150 Ambassadors Participants
Meet Evan Nick and I were matched in the Franklin County Citizens program one year ago. We love going out to eat and finding cool things to do around town. Nick is really like a brother to me, and it is great to have someone by my side.”
-Evan Leadership Development
Family Support Program
1
Eunie’s Buddies Program in Cleveland launching in 2026!
Eunie’s BUDDIES
Connects families who are expecting or have a young child with IDD to experienced parents of a child with IDD, encouraging a genuine relationship rooted in mentorship, resourcesharing, and guidance.
Meet Camille
A program like Eunie’s Buddies can be a lifeline for parents of children with IDD, offering a space to be vulnerable and connect with another parent who truly understands and welcomes you with open arms.”
-Camille
Raised $165,000
Nearly 1,500 participants, corporate partners, and community members walked for inclusion in Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati!
Madeline & Alijah, Best Buddies Colleges
In July, nearly 60 leaders from all over Ohio, both with and without IDD, attended our 34th Annual Best Buddies Leadership Conference. They participated in personalized training that developed the skills needed to organize and lead a Best Buddies chapter!
Raised $350,000
Nearly 500 supporters came together for our annual Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati Galas in celebration of the collective efforts of our 20 Champions who raised funds and awareness to support our mission!
Champions are made from something they have deep inside of them - a desire, a dream, a vision.” -Mahatma Gandhi
