Best Friends, Inc.
Alternate Name / AcronymA Children's Friendship Network
Options: Vision, Mission and/or Purpose of OrganizationBest Friends, Inc. facilitates friendships between young people with disabilities and their non-disabled peers to promote inclusion for every person, every day. Current programs include “Safe and Secure with Friends,†a program for socialization and safety; teens and young adults learn how to stay safe both online and in public places. Best Friends also hosts monthly social events and quarterly family/community events.
Best Friends is celebrating 26 years of creating genuine friendships. Activities welcome young people of all abilities. Transition services and individual and family counseling and support are available. No membership fee is required but donations are greatly appreciated. Visit our website for additional information. Call or email to reserve your spot today because no one should grow up without a friend.
History of Organization:Best Friends was founded in 1993 and was incorporated in Beaver County in 1995. It has continuously served the community since then.
Options: Accreditations and LicensesRegistered with the Pa. Bureau of Charitable Organizations, Certificate 13177.
Legal StructureNon-profit corporation
Funding SourcesFoundation, corporate, civic, and individual contributors.
Leadership
Key Leaders| Name* | Title/Description (Executive Director, Vice President, etc.) | Phone Number 1 | Phone Number 2 | Fax Number | Email Address |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan Clarke | Founder & Executive Director | 724-847-3320 | bestfriendsinc2012@gmail.com | ||
| Myla Bonto | Program Director | 724-847-3320 | bestfriendsinc2012@gmail.com | ||
Contact Information
Contact Person(s)| Name* | Title/Description (Intake Specialist, Secretary, etc.) | Phone Number 1 | Phone Number 2 | Fax Number | Email Address |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan Clarke | |||||
| Myla Bonto | Program Director | 7246830348 | |||
| Number* | Title / Description (Telephone, Toll free, Fax, etc.) |
|---|---|
| 724-847-3320 | |
| 724-622-0327 | cell phone |
| Email* | Title / Description (Director, General, Intake, etc.) |
|---|---|
| bestfriendsinc2012@gmail.com | Main Best Friends E-mail |
| Website* | Title / Description (National, Local office, etc.) |
|---|---|
| www.bestfriendsinc.org | Best Friends Website |
Best Friends, Inc.
Address:Beaver County Airport Terminal, Ste. 3
15 Piper St.
Beaver Falls, PA 15010
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Beaver County and neighboring parts of Lawrence, Allegheny, and Butler Counties
Services ProvidedService Description- The mission of Best Friends is to promote friendships between children with disabilities and their non-disabled peers to facilitate their more active participation and inclusion in the life of the community. Services and programs include: a friendship network for children, Parent Resource Collaborative, family support and resources, and an activity center located in the Beaver Valley Mall that serves children with and without disabilities.
Programs vary. Generally held after school hours.
Fees/Cost for ServicesUsually no fees.
Eligibility RequirementsChildren, teenagers, and young adults (age 3 to age 29) and their families
How to Access Services or Schedule AppointmentsPlease call the office and leave a message to request program information. Thank you.
Handicap AccessibilityYes
Languages Spoken or AvailableEnglish, Greek, French
Speaker AvailableYes
Volunteer UseYes
Volunteer NeedYes
Volunteer DescriptionSenior high school projects and college internships available. Board and committee members. Volunteers to present workshops (art, food, safety, etc.).
Please call for other volunteer needs.
