## Building Bridges of Friendship and Inclusion: Best Buddies Flourishes in Northern Nevada
Best Buddies, an international association dedicated to fostering one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support, is making a important impact on campuses and communities across Nevada. At the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), the Best Buddies club is actively working to dismantle past segregation faced by individuals with disabilities and those who are neurodiverse, creating opportunities for genuine inclusion in all aspects of campus and community life.
Launched in 2011, the UNR chapter currently boasts 63 members and experienced a revitalized start in 2024 under the guidance of faculty advisor Jessica Stewart, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, an assistant professor in speech pathology and audiology.While student-led, Stewart provides crucial support and direction to the club’s initiatives. “Friends are so critically important,” Stewart stated, expressing her pride in being part of an organization championing friendship and inclusion.The club, officially recognized by the Associated Students of the University of Nevada (ASUN), is actively raising awareness. President Hall regularly speaks to classes, participates in club fairs, and presents during NevadaFIT – a week-long intensive transition program designed to prepare incoming freshmen for university life.
Best Buddies offers flexible involvement options to cater to individual member needs. Core to the program is the one-to-one friendship matching system, providing support to nurture healthy and meaningful connections. Beyond these pairings, members contribute through event planning, fundraising, social media management, training, and other vital roles. The organization is committed to serving its members, the UNR campus, and the wider community.
Monthly meetings, held on the second Friday of each month, combine educational components led by Best Buddies leadership with engaging activities. These gatherings provide a welcoming space for connection and learning about inclusive friendship. The final meeting of the year is scheduled for December 12th.
The UNR chapter is one of two best Buddies groups in Northern Nevada,with the other located at Damonte Ranch High School,led by President Bella Gongaware. Las Vegas also hosts chapters at the University of Nevada, Las vegas (UNLV) and numerous high schools.
Gongaware, a senior at Damonte Ranch, shared a personal motivation for her involvement. Recalling a friend’s experience with bullying due to a hidden disability, she explained, “Her disability was hidden, and it seemed that only her parents and I could recognize her struggles.” This experience fueled her desire to create a welcoming and supportive surroundings for students with disabilities, helping them achieve success. The Damonte Ranch chapter, established in November 2024, currently has 20 members and is actively working to expand its reach.
Students interested in joining Best Buddies at UNR can connect with neurodiverse peers,build lasting relationships,and strengthen their ties to the university and the community. Applications are available online, and the club can be found on Instagram.
As Hall eloquently stated, “I love people for their differences, what makes them unique.We are all people after all.” This sentiment encapsulates the core mission of Best Buddies: to celebrate individuality and build a more inclusive world, one friendship at a time.
