A chapter of the nonprofit Best Buddies International—an organization that establishes one-on-one friendships between people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities, has been established at Christopher Newport University, according to Jack Perry.

A 2020 graduate of Mathews High School, Perry is chapter founder/president of Best Buddies on the campus of the Newport News school.

Some examples of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) include, but are not limited to, Williams Syndrome, Down Syndrome, and Autism. Best Buddies also helps people living with IDD by providing assistance with career opportunities and leadership development.

Best Buddies works towards a goal of inclusive living for individuals with IDD, in hopes of fostering an environment in which organizations such as Best Buddies are no longer needed for the societal inclusivity for individuals with IDD, Perry said.

Perry said he originally learned of Best Buddies through his frien...