Best Buddies International Launches Eunie’s Buddies in Cleveland to Support Families Navigating IDD Diagnoses

Published: May 7, 2026 - 7:24 p.m.

By Brooke Sullivan

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CLEVELAND, OH — Best Buddies International is expanding its footprint in Northeast Ohio with the official launch of Eunie's Buddies, a program designed to support families immediately following an intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) diagnosis. This initiative offers a mix of mentorship and practical resources for parents and caregivers navigating the early years of their child's life. Cleveland joins a select group of cities, including Boston and Nashville, that provide these specialized in-person services. The program is named in honor of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the founder of the Special Olympics and a longtime advocate for the IDD community. Anthony Kennedy Shriver, the founder and CEO of Best Buddies International, said his mother's enduring spirit guides the work the organization does today. He noted that the program is committed to ensuring families receive the resources they need to pursue their dreams, just like everyone else. While Best Buddies has long been known for its school chapters and employment programs, this new branch focuses specifically on the period from pregnancy through age 8. Local leadership for the program brings a personal perspective to the rollout. Becky Jovanovic, the deputy director of Eunie's Buddies in Cleveland, shared that her own experience with her son's Down syndrome diagnosis was initially overshadowed by fear and confusion. She was fortunate to have family support, but she recognizes that many others in the Cleveland area do not have that same safety net. Jovanovic said her goal is to make sure no parent in Ohio ever feels alone during those first few years. The mentorship model pairs experienced mentor parents with those who are new to the journey. These mentors offer one-on-one guidance, helping families navigate the complexities of health care and early childhood education. Along with the human connection, new families receive a welcome box called the Gift of Possibilities. According to the Best Buddies International program description, these boxes are curated to provide comfort and inspiration to parents during what can be a high-stress transition period. The official launch took place during the 2026 Best Buddies Friendship Walk: Cleveland, an event that gathered community leaders and families to celebrate inclusion. Best Buddies currently operates more than 4,000 chapters worldwide, but the Eunie's Buddies expansion represents a deeper move into direct family support. It is not just about a one-time meeting: The organization aims to build a lifelong community for its participants. Families interested in the program can find more information or sign up to be a mentor by visiting the Best Buddies website or following @euniesbuddies on social media. -------------------- At Cleveland 13 News, we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable reporting. If you spot an error, omission, or have information that may need updating, please email us at tips@cleveland13news.com. As a community-driven news network, we appreciate the help of our readers in ensuring the integrity of our reporting.