Best Buddies is a program that offers One-to-One Friendship, Integrated Employment, Leadership Development, and Family Support programs for individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Best Buddies gives people with special abilities a chance to make friends, speak up, be heard and advocate for themselves and others within their community.

Best Buddies Tennessee is excited to celebrate and recognize the 2023-2024 Outstanding Chapters of the Year. Rhea Elementary, under the guidance of Mrs. Shayna Miles, is a leader of inclusion in our community and continues to exceed expectations. Our chapeter is truly creating change and driving the mission forward through member engagement, creative chapter activities, and strong cultures of inclusion.

Our Best Buddies program meets the fourth Tuesday of every month except for December, March, and May. All chapter events are from 3:00-4:00 PM. Pick-up is at the front office where each child will be need to be signed out unless they are getting checked into Kids Club. Parents will need to be reminded to write a note in their child’s planner that they are staying after school for Best Buddies on chapter event days.

If you would like your child to enjoy our Best Buddies events, please contact Shayna Miles. Children with AND without disabilities are encouraged to join!

2024-2025 CHAPTER EVENT CALENDAR:

• September 25, 2024
• October 30, 2024
• November 20, 2024*
• December 18, 2024*
• January 29, 2025
• February 26, 2025
• March 19, 2025*
• April 30, 2025
• May 3, 2025* – Best Buddies Friendship Walk

*Events are on the last Wednesday of every month (except for November, December, March, and May).