DIGHTON — The Dighton Commission on Disability, together with the Dighton Parks and Recreation Commission and Dighton-based Cooperative Production, Inc. (CO-OP), is pleased to invite community members to join Dighton’s adult Best Buddies chapter.
Dighton’s newly established Best Buddies Citizens chapter creates one-to-one friendships between adults with and without intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) in the community. Members will be matched with a buddy when they join and buddies will participate in engaging community events focused on creating more inclusive environments for all.
Those who are 18-years-old and older and interested in joining can fill out the application form here.
Dighton Commission on Disability Member Nicole Mello, who also works at CO-OP which is a company dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities, will work with chapter members to connect them with those living with IDD once they’ve registered.
“Our local schools have great Best Buddies chapters, but once students graduate there really isn’t any group or opportunity in the community for them to make new connections,” Chairman of Dighton’s Parks and Recreation Commission and Commission on Disability member Kevin Smith said. “With a Best Buddies Citizens chapter, we are hoping to expand connections for those living with IDD in town and offer more engaging activities and events for all. We encourage adults interested in making new meaningful friendships to join.”
The Town of Dighton’s Commission on Disabilities registered the town’s chapter back in November, but the chapter itself will operate on a volunteer basis with Smith and Mello overseeing all chapter activity.
Dighton’s Best Buddies Citizens chapter is aiming to hold its first group event in late April. Additional information and details about the event will be shared once finalized.
Anyone with questions is encouraged to reach out to Chairman Smith via email at ksmith@dighton-ma.gov.
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