Citizen Buddies needed
Best Buddies seeks 'citizen buddies' for local program
HOLYOKE Many of us do not think twice about friendship. We meet and interact with our friends at work, during social occasions, and even in our neighborhood. Yet, if those connections were taken away, friendship might be something that you start thinking a lot about. For individuals with an intellectual disability, finding friendship can be extremely difficult. Right now, in our area, there are over 70 such people waiting to make a special friend a Best Buddy in fact.
Best Buddies of Western Massachusetts, a Holyoke-based organization and part of Best Buddies International, is actively searching for additional Citizen Buddies to match with these individuals. In order to help find matches for these individuals, Best Buddies of Western Massachusetts recently recognized the volunteer commitment of two Citizen Buddies adults who share some of their free time with a person with intellectual disabilities. As their stories highlight, each of these individuals began their volunteer experience thinking about what they had to give and have since realized just how much they have received.
"It's our hope that the positive experiences of these two buddies will encourage other people to consider getting involved," stated Matthew Andrews, Program Supervisor of Best Buddies of Western Massachusetts. "An estimated 7.5 million people in the U.S. have intellectual disabilities. We believe that providing opportunities for friendships is a great way to assist them in developing self-esteem and improving their outlook on society. Together, Best Buddies' participants build a more inclusive world one friendship at a time."
Kathy Czerwiec is a math teacher at Chicopee High School who lives in Feeding Hills. Earlier this year, she learned about Best Buddies through the United Way.
"I decided to apply because I wanted to get more involved with the local community," she stated. "I have had the chance to work with people with disabilities through the United Way and felt this would be a good opportunity for me to get involved on another level." Soon after applying to become a Citizen Buddy, she was matched with her new buddy, Karen Kohanek of Westfield. The buddies now see each other several times a month and do activities that any other friends would.
"Karen and I get along great," Kohanek said. "We enjoy having dinner together, seeing a movie, and going shopping. We have a lot of fun and I'm glad that Best Buddies has brought us together."
The companionship they share is mutually beneficial. Kathy says it's nice to be able to chat and share stories. "Simple phone conversations, ranging from our pets to how our week has been, always make me feel good. Karen is very easy to talk to and it's so nice to know we can connect and are comfortable with each other."
While reflecting on her role as a Citizen Buddy Kohanek noted that, "I've learned that people with intellectual disabilities are people just like the rest of us. It means a lot to them to be able to do the day-to-day things we often take for granted, and sharing in those things with a person they would have otherwise never met is even more special. I've also learned that it doesn't take a lot of effort to make someone feel good about themselves and in turn you receive a sense of satisfaction in being able to help them just by being their friend."
Jim Hutchins, a resident of Holyoke and an Oncology Nurse at Baystate Medical Center, is also a Citizen Buddy. About a year ago, he read about Best Buddies and its need for volunteers in the newspaper.
"I always felt the importance of volunteering to help improve the community," Hutchins stated, "Also, we have an autistic son who will need friendships and support when he is an adult and perhaps 'in the grand scheme of things' if I help out now, there will be people to help our son in the future."
He was paired with his buddy Alan Junkins in 2005. They got along right from the start, sharing both their love of country and bluegrass music and their quiet personalities. The buddies enjoy going to movies, fairs, out to eat, and touring the Basketball Hall of Fame. They also regularly visit their local video store. "Alan loves movies, mainly comedies, so we frequently go to a local store that sells used videos so he can browse and expand his collection." Sometimes the pair will go for a drive, share a meal at each other's homes, or simply sit and chat.
"I think the best part of our friendship is the trust and comfort that has developed between us. Alan keeps meticulous records of the places he visits and his time spent doing activities, so I will periodically get a phone call from him asking me to spell the name of a specific store we visited or food item that we shared. It's a simple thing for me to do, it makes me smile, and it helps him to complete a task in his life that is important to him."
Best Buddies of Western Massachusetts currently has a waiting list of over 70 adults with intellectual difficulties. Volunteer opportunities are listed at volunteermatch.com and more information can be obtained by calling 420-0114.
To learn more about Best Buddies International, please visit www.bestbuddiesma.org
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