In the fall 2023 semester, St. Joseph’s University, New York Long Island Campus students Deanna LaGala and Giana Cesario created a chapter of the international organization Best Buddies.
The two were strangers at the time but met through the club’s advisor, Leona Arpino, who knew they both had a passion for Best Buddies after participating in the club during high school.
Best Buddies is one of the many volunteer groups that SJNY has to offer, but this club stands out because they celebrate individuals with disabilities.
“The mission is to establish friendships between individuals who have IDD (Intellectual Developmental Disorder) as well as those who don’t. The club presents social mentoring, and improves the level of acceptance while simultaneously boosting quality of life,” said LaGala, president of Best Buddies. “Best Buddies is a non-profit charity that concentrates on putting forth their earnings to help the acceptance of those with IDD.”
Best Buddies has collaborated with GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Center and Winter’s Center for Autism.
In partnership with GiGi’s Playhouse, the club participated in their karaoke night which attracted more than 30 people and allowed individuals to sing their hearts out in a safe environment created by the members of Best Buddies.
GiGi’s Playhouse, which is located in Patchogue, NY, has been extremely open and welcoming to the club.
“They love that we are engaging with the community and living up to our mission,” said LaGala.
To continue their partnership with the playhouse, Best Buddies and the Educators Club will be hosting rock painting events from Feb. 24 to March 13. SJNY students and staff can paint a rock that will then be displayed in front of GiGi’s Playhouse in celebration of World Down Syndrome Day.
Recently, Best Buddies started working with Winter’s Center for Autism in West Babylon, NY.
LaGala said they will be doing a Best Buddies program with some St. Joseph’s students at Winter’s Center.
This is a great opportunity for the club and its members because they can spread their mission and friendship to an off-campus site.
“We are going to be matching individuals to create long-lasting friendships through collaborative activities. We will be hosting events such as game night, pairing party, planting in the greenhouse, Special Olympics and so much more!”
Best Buddies has packed this spring semester with a multitude of events including game day, Special Olympics, World Down Syndrome Day, friendship bracelets for Autism Awareness Day and an outdoor picnic.
To keep up with Best Buddies and all of the great things they bring on and off campus, follow them on Instagram @sjli_best.buddies.
GiGi’s Playhouse in Patchogue, NY.
