When Caitlyn Fite began classes at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, part of her scholarship program required participation in an on-campus organization. She was immediately drawn to Best Buddies, a relatively new nonprofit in Arkansas that pairs typical and non-typical students in friendships.

“Part of it was having a brother with autism,” says the 19-year-old freshman. “I’m very protective of people with disabilities. I know that they’re just regular people.”

Arkansas is the 24th state to establish a Best Buddies program. Dr. Angela Kremers, the state director, says the organization has three main goals: one-to-one friendships, leadership development and integrated jobs.

“We are all about friendships, all about inclusion,” says Kremers. “We advocate that we are all more alike than not alike and there should be value placed on all individuals. It’s so rewarding when there is this light bulb moment for the typical student, when they realize that this isn’t about charity. This is a real friend.”

Regular friendship is exactly how Bree Washington describes her relationship with her buddy, Caitlyn Fite. “We just hang out. Go to Ulta to buy makeup. We go to McDonald’s to get something to eat. I go to her house to eat with her mom and her. This summer, we’re going to Magic Springs. It’s just normal stuff.”

Washington lives in the apartments at Easter Seals. Although she dislikes the word “disabled,” she knows that sometimes others perceive her as different. In fact, she was severely bullied in high school. Other students called her vicious names. While she has moved on with her life, the pain is still fresh.

“It really hurt, the names they called me,” she says. “To this day, it hurts. And it made me mad.” Washington says the best part of the relationship with Fite is that she doesn’t treat her differently than her other friends, “God made everybody the way they are for a reason, and not to be treated like babies all the time.”

Fite says some of her other friends were a little unsure when they met Washington for the first time, simply because they didn’t know how to react. “They say, ‘I don’t want to be awkward.’ But they get over that quickly, and just see who she is as person. They see why I like her. She’s my friend.”

Caitlyn and Bree became friends through the Best Buddies Arkansas program at UALR and Easter Seals.

It’s breaking down those barriers between people that Best Buddies is focused on, whether that’s through friendships, job placement or leadership. The Arkansas advisory board has both typical members and members with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities, which allows the organization to be steered by everyone it targets.

Best Buddies works with middle school through college students, offering training to students of all abilities. Typical peers obtain leadership development and can learn how to advocate at their schools, while their buddy can receive training in writing and public speaking about their disabilities. Training includes specific, individual issues such as how to communicate with a non-verbal buddy or how to navigate a wheel chair in unfriendly terrain. But it also includes general situational training, like “how do I talk to my buddy?” Answer: The same way you talk to all your friends. Or, “what sort of things should we do together?” The same things you do with your other friends. “What might I encounter that I’m unfamiliar with?” Strange looks and unkind words, unfortunately.

Kremers lights up telling a story about a buddy who couldn’t speak. The special education teacher devised a mail delivery system. The buddies spent time together, but also wrote wonderful letters back and forth. Kremers says the students both looked forward to mail days more than anyone expected.

To make successful matches, the nonprofit works with special education teachers, school counselors and the students themselves. As much as possible, they try to match students with similar ages, genders and interests.

“We usually have a meet and greet when we’re kicking things off and let everyone who wants to participate mingle a bit,” she says. “The students almost always kind of feel it when they’re a match. When we make the announcements, they already know on some level who they connected with, which is really how all friendships work, when you think about it.”

For Washington and Fite, what might be seen as a barrier to some has become a non-issue for them. “I recommend Best Buddies,” says Washington. “There’s gonna be that one person that just knows. They get it. They’re your person.”

Buddy Pair: Lauren & Alexis, Bryant High School

Bryant students Lauren Ausburn and Alexis Lorio

Though Lauren and Alexis were matched as buddies less than a year ago, they’ve formed a fast friendship. The seniors at Bryant High have baked cookies, watched movies, gone bowling (Lauren won), made plenty of Sonic runs and had a lot of dance parties.

What is your favorite thing you’ve done with your buddy?

Lauren Ausburn: “Going to prom!” Lauren’s mom Pamela explains, “The Tim Tebow Foundation sponsored Night to Shine Prom in February. Alexis came and was her buddy for the evening. She got Lauren to ride in a limo and she danced all night with her. They also took silly pictures in a photo booth. Lauren had a blast!”

What is your favorite thing about your buddy?

Alexis Lorio: “Lauren is a good friend because she is such a sweetheart! She calls me first all the time, and she has the most precious smile. My favorite thing about her is probably how much she loves her family. She’s always super excited when greeting and saying goodbye to her mom, dad and sister. Another thing I love about her is that she will always pose for a selfie!”

Find a Buddy!

Best Buddies is an international nonprofit organization founded by Anthony K Shriver in 1989. In Arkansas, there are 10 schools currently participating in the program, with multiple schools working on pending programs.

The organization works with special education staff, school counselors and administration to train leaders on each campus. If you are interested in beginning a Best Buddies program in your school (middle school through college), contact Angela Kremers at (501) 975-1040 or AngelaKremers@BestBuddies.org. For more information, you can also visit BestBuddiesArkansas.org.