Jennifer Hagarbome and Jeff Zolezzi from the IUPUI chapter embody what the Best Buddies program is all about. They have made a true commitment of friendship to each other and have impacted each other’s lives in ways that will shape both of their futures. When Jennifer first met Jeff, she was fairly certain that she wanted to pursue a career in education. Within her first year of involvement with Best Buddies, she knew she wanted to be a Special Education teacher and remain in the Indianapolis area after graduation.
Jeff’s mother, Mary Beth Zolezzi, had this to say in a letter she submitted to Best Buddies Indiana:
Jeff’s mother, Mary Beth Zolezzi, had this to say in a letter she submitted to Best Buddies Indiana:
"The Best Buddies IUPUI chapter has been a wonderful experience for my son Jeff during these past four years. Jeff is a moderately mentally handicapped young adult living in an apartment with another young man such as himself. They have staff that comes in on a daily basis, but none brighten his day as much as his Best Buddy Jennifer!
Jennifer call Jeff once a week and during the school year she tried to see him once a week. It is always more fun to hang around with a peer: to go get a hamburger, see a movie, play miniature golf, etc. Jennifer brings such happiness to my son and helps to make his quiet life much more interesting."
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| Jeff and Jenn were first matched in 2008 |
