As the new coordinator of Chapel Haven’s Best Buddies program, EmilyAnne Westman is in a position to advocate from the heart. First, EmilyAnne chose to attend Southern Connecticut State University because they had a Best Buddies chapter. She quickly signed up and found time whizzed by when she was with her buddy because, “You’re in the moment having fun,” she said. “You learn so much about the people and building a friendship… It really is just like any other friendship,” she said.
Best Buddies is an international nonprofit organization that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Chapel Haven has the largest chapter in the state and the sixth largest in the country. “It gives the students an opportunity to meet friends outside Chapel Haven,” said Michael Verzella, Supervisor of Recreation and Operations. “It expands their social opportunities.” As in any friendship the pairs choose what they want to do — it may be a movie, dinner, play, sporting event or a hike, They also have the opportunity to get together every Wednesday evening for an organized event at Chapel Haven. The friends are matched through mutual interests. “It really opens your eyes about capabilities — you can’t put a price tag on it,” Michael said.
Chapel Haven resident Lauren Meltzer has a beautiful way of describing the friendship that emerged between herself and Amanda Wright, a former Southern Connecticut State University student. “She’s special right here,” Lauren said of Amanda, putting her hand over her heart. “If I was having an off day she always put a smile on my face. No one can replace the bond that we share.” Lauren said Amanda attended her Special Olympics competition and even met her family.
EmilyAnne recently held sign ups in the Chapel Haven Outreach Center and told community members about the rules, including that aside from going places, they can talk to their buddies via telephone, text or letter, referring to the latter as “the old fashioned” way. The “letter” reference got an outburst of laughter from the 80 or so Chapel Haven students there to fill out applications and resident blurted another contact option: “Or Twitter!”
While some were to get new buddies during the recent sign-ups, others, like Chapel Haven student Kerry Wilson, were there to claim the same buddy as last year. Kerry introduced her buddy, SCSU senior Brenna McGuigan, to the exciting world of ice hockey. The two now enjoy going to Yale University games together and Brenna gave Wilson a taste of Southern football in return. “So she opened me up to something cool and different,” SCSU student Brenna said. “We enjoy each other’s company.” Kerry said Brenna is “fun to be with” and she has big plans this upcoming year for the new ice hockey fan. “I’m going to take her to a Rangers game at Madison Square Garden,” Kerry said proudly.
Chapel Haven resident Andy Auerbach, said he and buddy Kiersten Aichinger really enjoy their time together. “It’s a very rewarding program,” he said.
EmilyAnne and her last buddy, Peter, formed an enduring friendship over two years and they still talk every day even though he moved home from Chapel Haven to Kentucky. Aside from just having fun, Peter, who has some physical limitations, taught her many lessons by his example. “The more you got to know Peter, he just didn’t give up on anything and I saw that strength and willpower and it kind of rubbed off on me,” she said.
