Best Buddies Maryland is a non-profit organization with the mission to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We accomplish this through middle school, high school and college chapters, a Citizen's Program and our e-Buddies® program. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities are often excluded from society because of their differences. Best Buddies is determined to end social isolation for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by establishing meaningful, lasting one-to-one friendships with their non-disabled peers. These friendships help increase self-esteem, confidence and the abilities of people with and without disabilities. Founded by Anthony Kennedy Shriver in 1989, Best Buddies is a vibrant international organization that has grown and touched the hearts and lives of over 350,000 people this year.