Best Buddies Ohio

02/13/2026

This Valentine’s Day, a few of our ambassadors wanted to share the love. 💙

Because of this community, they’ve found friendship, confidence, leadership, and belonging.

So today, they’re sending a heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who makes our mission possible, simply by being part of it.

Happy Valentine’s Day from Best Buddies in Ohio!

02/13/2026

Christine can’t wait... and neither can we! See you at the Best Buddies Friendship Walk on May 2nd at Marcum Park ✨

Register today: bestbuddiesfriendshipwalk.org/cincinnati.

Ohio has four locations for the Friendship Walk this year! Find a city near you by commenting below or sending us a DM!

02/08/2026

💙 Volunteers Needed — Let’s Build Friendship Together! 💙

Best Buddies Citizens in Ohio is looking for volunteers age 25 years and older, with and without disabilities, who want to make a real difference through one-to-one friendship 🤝

Our Citizens program is all about:
✨ Genuine, one-to-one friendships
🎉 Fun, inclusive community events
💬 Meaningful connection beyond small talk
🌍 Bridging the gap of isolation that so many adults experience

By becoming a volunteer, you’re not just showing up — you’re helping create a more inclusive community where everyone belongs, and no one feels alone 💫
If you’re looking for friendship, purpose, and a chance to be part of something joyful and impactful, Best Buddies Citizens is for you.

📍 Franklin County
📍 Cuyahoga County
📍 Butler County
👥 Ages 25+
❤️ All abilities welcome

Interested or want to learn more? Comment below or send us a message — we’d love to connect!

02/05/2026

Best Buddies International has recognized Shannon Wilson, Senior Program Manager from Ohio, as the EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH for the entire organization!

Shannon serves our participants in Central Ohio. She works directly with students and teachers in our schools, our local host site partners, volunteers, and Citizens participants. Best Buddies in Ohio's State Director, Catlin Skufca, shared, "What truly sets Shannon apart is her remarkable ability to build deep, meaningful relationships with volunteers, participants, and families. She shows up for people, takes the time to know them, and makes every individual feel valued."

Shannon has grown participation in programs and frequently volunteers to take the lead on key programmatic initiatives in the state.

Congratulations, Shannon! Way to shine bright from the great state of OHIO!

02/04/2026

💥We need you!

Volunteers are the heartbeat of our mission. By giving your time and compassion, you help build one-to-one friendships, support inclusive activities, and champion a world where people with disabilities are valued for who they are, not defined by a diagnosis. Volunteering with Best Buddies is more than service; it’s a chance to advance inclusion, strengthen your community, and be part of a movement proving that inclusion changes lives, including your own. Volunteer Today!

Click here to sign up: https://www.bestbuddies.org/ohio/volunteer/

02/01/2026

Ohio ✈️>>Paris

Meet Olivia! An international model and inclusion advocate who travels the world, showing others that it’s okay to be different. She is also a Best Buddies Ambassador in Training for Ohio, and proof that inclusion belongs everywhere—even in Paris.💙

Thanks for repping Best Buddies across the world! 🌍 Best Buddies International

01/15/2026

Our programs come at no cost for participants. No schools are charged a fee to open a Best Buddies Friendship Chapter.

Money we raise through the Best Buddies Friendship Walk makes this possible!

We just opened registration for the 2026 Best Buddies in Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Hamilton is open now! Register and donate today! Let’s keep this movement going!

Link in bio or visit www.bestbuddies.org/ohio/friendship-walk!

01/07/2026

Philipps & Graham, LLC is hosting Best Buddies members and their families for a webinar about planning for the future! This is free to attend. All are welcome. Learn about:
Guardianship
Supported Decision Making
Special Needs Trusts
STABLE Accounts
Waivers and Benefits

We've teamed up with Best Buddies Ohio for this special needs planning webinar on January 20th. Register here: https://shorturl.at/3sdB2

01/05/2026

One night we are going to be talking about all year...

Thank you, Hanover Reserve Weddings and Events, for organizing another Best Buddies Ball this year! Interested in supporting this event? See below!

01/05/2026

Our first Best Buddies Friendship Walk Legacy Sponsor of 2026 has committed!

We are incredibly grateful to Smucker's for their continued commitment to inclusion as a Legacy Sponsor of the 2026 Best Buddies Friendship Walk in Cleveland. 💙

As one of America’s most beloved brands, Smucker has supported our mission for several years, and their ongoing partnership helps create lasting friendships and opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Thank you, Smucker, for walking alongside us.

The Best Buddies Friendship Walk will take place this year in Cleveland, Columbus, Hamilton, and Dayton, Ohio!!! If you or your company want to join The J.M. Smucker Co. as a supporter of Best Buddies, let us know at Ohio@BestBuddies.org.

12/24/2025

Last minute gift idea!!!!!!

Thank you! This year you made more than 500 friendships happen like Alicia & Rory.

We are only $55 away from our goal of $19,000 raised at the end of this year! All donations matched 2:1 by . Would you donate today? LINK IN BIO! Or http://engdr.co/1-5531084

12/22/2025

We are so close to our end-of-year fundraising goal. Please help us get there! Donate at: http://engdr.co/1-5531084.

Every donation helps us inspire young leaders through training and experiences! Providing ample opportunities to lead at their school, community, and one-on-one with their peers! Students in Best Buddies are prepared to lead in postsecondary education and the workforce. They can recruit, organize, fundraise, plan, and move the ball forward.

Our 3,000 members across Ohio are leading the way!