About Buddy Break
Buddy Break is a safe place for VIPs and their siblings to have fun and establish meaningful friendships with other kids and adults, while their caregivers get a much-needed, FREE break from on-going care-giving responsibilities.
VIP Kids
Kids with special needs are our VIP kids! VIPs include kids with any physical, cognitive, medical, or hidden disability, chronic or life-threatening illness, or those who are medically fragile.
Buddies
Buddies are friends to VIP kids. Volunteer Buddies must be at least 14 years of age, complete a 2-hour Buddy Training 101 program, and agree to have a background check run. No previous experience necessary!
Why Buddy Break?
- One out of 10 kids under the age of 14 has some kind of special need
- Mental Health Treatment of stress is 2-3x higher for parents of VIP kids versus that of those kids who are well
- Divorce rate is 80% for a couple with a child with special needs
- Families may experience extreme isolation, depression, loneliness, and fatigue.
