Each Week, this NK Student Finds Friendship through Volunteering

Throughout the 2013—2014 school year, students at The Carter School at Meeting Street—a high school for students with special needs—received a special visit from LaSalle Academy students each week as part of the “Best Buddies” program.

Established in 1989, Best Buddies is an international nonprofit that encourages middle school, high school and college students to volunteer in support of young people with special while developing one-on-one friendships as peers. It marked the fourth school year that LaSalle students served as “buddies” for students at The Carter School. 

Abby Sawyer, a junior from North Kingstown who joined LaSalle’s “Best Buddies” program during her sophomore year, considers the opportunity a life-changing experience. 

“At first, being involved with the program put me out of my comfort zone, but that didn’t last long,” said Sawyer. “Looking back, I don’t know what I’d do without having this opportunity and the friendships I’ve developed—there’s a lot of joy that our visits bring the students, but it’s joy that I get right back."