IU students find 'Best Buddies' in children

The IU chapter of Best Buddies is in its second year of creating one-on-one friendships between college students and intellectually disabled people in the area.\nFounded by junior Jenna Newman last year, the program pairs students with a disabled "buddy" with whom they attend events , go on outings and talk on the phone. \nAccording to the IU Best Buddies Web site, "a person with an intellectual disability will usually have an IQ below 75 and significant limitations in adaptive behavior that impact the person's daily life."\nNewman, who is majoring in social work, did extensive work with the disabled while still in high school. Not only did she volunteer, but she also started her own fund, raising $10,000 for the Kennedy Krieger Institute. After hearing about the program during a class, she decided it would be a great way to continue her work while in college.\n"It was along the lines of what I had already done," Newman said. "I had experience ... I always knew I wanted to do something in this field."\nThe chapter started small, with around 12 volunteers. It has grown to 26 people this year, and Newman hopes the group will eventually consist of 50 people.\n"I think it's a realistic goal," she said. "I get e-mails all the time from people who want to join."\nMany of the members currently are majoring in psychology, education or social work. However, Newman said she would love for anyone to become involved.\nThough many people express interest, Newman said it is sometimes difficult to find people who will follow through with the process. Members must submit an application, fill out a survey and spend time with their buddy every month. She said it is particularly hard to find males who will stick with the program.\n"It's one of my struggles," Newman said. "Not only recruiting guys, but getting them to follow through."\nNewman said that there is a need for males because complications can arise when a volunteer is paired with a buddy of the opposite sex.\n"I don't want anyone to feel uncomfortable," she said.\nBut Newman said she is extremely happy with the success the group has had so far. Volunteers have participated in fund-raising activities at Cold Stone Creamery and Pizza Hut, where they worked behind the counter to raise money. \nAnother highlight was the group's Halloween-themed matching party in October. \n"Everyone was interacting and had a great time," Newman said. "It was a great day."\nJunior Jenny Reiner has been involved with the group from the beginning and said the program is important experience for her future in elementary education, helping her to learn to work with all types of people.\nShe said she also benefits on a more personal level.\n"I love working with people, and this is a great opportunity for me to be involved in something I am passionate about," Reiner said. "You can see the difference you are making by helping people. The littlest things can brighten someone's day."\nReiner said both buddies and volunteers gain from the friendships.\n"There is a real connection on both ends," she said. "You both have a new person for the rest of your life to confide in. I think that's really important."\nFor more information, visit the groups Web site at www.indiana.edu/~bestbudy/intellectd/intellectd.html.\n-- Contact staff writer Haley Beck habeck/a>.