Best Buddies: Eugene Citizens
Summer Program Update: The Best Buddies Eugene Citizens chapter at the Eugene Family YMCA will be taking a break for the summer. As the YMCA transitions into a busy summer camp season and Best Buddies plans for the future, we're using this time to reflect, strengthen our partnership, and prepare for the next chapter of the program.
As a result, the June 10 chapter meeting and any additional chapter meetings will not take place this summer. Together, Best Buddies and the YMCA are committed to creating a strong and sustainable experience for participants, with the goal of relaunching the chapter this fall. We look forward to sharing updates as plans develop.
While chapter meetings are on pause, participants are always welcome at the Y. We encourage everyone to continue enjoying the YMCA, staying active, nurturing friendships, and taking advantage of the many opportunities to connect, learn, and have fun throughout the summer.
We are grateful for the friendships, connections, and sense of belonging that have grown through this chapter. Thank you for being part of our Y community. We look forward to welcoming everyone back and creating more meaningful experiences together in the months ahead.
Program Goals:
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Educate: To build awareness about inclusion, disabilities and Best Buddies' Mission among chapter members and the Y community.
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Engage: To create an inclusive Y community which provides opportunities for adults with and without disabilities to develop meaningful friendships.
- Empower: To foster leadership skills in participants and help them become advocates for themselves and others.
Who is this program for and who can participate?
The Eugene Citizens chapter is open to adults ages 21 and older who are interested in building an inclusive community and forming meaningful connections. Individuals both with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are warmly welcomed to participate.
You do not need to commit to being an active chapter member in order to attend chapter meetings or learn more about the group. We expect that the first three sessions this spring will function much like our info night—an opportunity for individuals to ask questions, get to know the program, and explore whether they’d like to join. We do still ask that all attendees submit the Best Buddies volunteer application, even if they are not yet ready to fully commit to the chapter.
Please note that buddy matching will likely not begin until fall 2026. Because the matching process is intentional and relationship‑driven, it takes time to carefully pair individuals based on compatibility, shared interests, and personality fit.
To join the Eugene Citizens chapter or participate in chapter meetings, participants must register through the Eugene Family YMCA and complete the membership application through Best Buddies. This dual process ensures that all participants are properly background‑checked and vetted by both organizations, creating a safe and supportive environment for everyone.
Registration through the Y is required for each chapter meeting, while the Best Buddies membership application only needs to be completed once.
BEST BUDDIES MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
For more information or any additional questions, please contact:
Kendall McCauley, Program & Operations Assistant.
kendall.mccauley@eugeneymca.org
We look forward to connecting with you!
About Best Buddies
Mission
"Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)."
Who Best Buddies Serves
"Best Buddies serves individuals with IDD and their families. The IDD community includes, but is not limited to, people with Down syndrome, autism, Fragile X, Williams syndrome, and other undiagnosed disabilities."
Best Buddies Programs
"Best Buddies is the largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people worldwide with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our programs empower people with IDD to form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure jobs, improve communication and advocacy skills, and live independently, while also offering support for their families."
