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“Loneliness and isolation can alter a person’s trajectory in life, especially a child’s. Even kids with the most support can still be lonely. It is important to address this head on. The Buddy Program is doing just that.”

- Big Buddy Melissa

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Become a Big Buddy

You have the opportunity to guide, inspire, and make a positive impact in the life of a young person right HERE in our community. 

Mentoring is a journey

The role of a Big Buddy is to act as a friend, positive role model, nurturer of possibilities, and advocate for their Little Buddy.

The Impact

Being a positive influence in someone's life is a remarkable experience. By showing up, listening, and having fun, you can help change a young person’s perspective for the better. 

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The Commitment

Big Buddies volunteer initially for one year with options for continuation throughout the years.

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The Power of Mentoring

As a friend, you can provide guidance and opportunities for your Little Buddy to learn and grow. Every interaction is a chance to experience new things, foster connections, and create lasting memories.

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Testimonials

“Being a mentor has meant a great deal to me. The Buddy Program is meaningful and changes lives. I feel such pride for all my Little Buddy has accomplished and if anything, as long as she has a fulfilling and joyful life, then I am BLESSED!"

Former Big Buddy

"Being a Big Buddy allows me to be the best version of myself and there is nothing more rewarding. Every person on the planet can benefit from a caring, stable, unbiased adult in their life - especially in their formative years. I’ll forever cherish the memories Alondra and I have made."

Sarah Armstrong I Former Big Buddy

"I really love having a front-row seat as my Little Buddy blossoms into an amazing person--watching how eloquent she is when ordering a meal, seeing her dance with confidence, witnessing the way she graciously accepts a small birthday gift, or just knowing how funny and kind she is, has been so fulfilling for me as her Big Buddy."

Lisa DeLosso I Big Buddy

Invite a youth

Is there a child in your life who would benefit from the extra support of a Big Buddy?

Anyone – a parent or guardian, school counselor or administrator, social worker or friend – can invite a youth to our programs.

Offered at NO cost to our communities

Programs offered from Aspen to Glenwood Springs, and Rifle

Collaborating with 16 participating schools

Working with youth ages 6-18

​If you have additional questions regarding a child’s needs, please give us a call at 970.920.2130

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Testimonials

“Thank you so much Buddy Program for allowing me to participate in the Buddy Program! I love being with my Big Buddy Alex. We love snowboarding and going to dinner. We love doing tricks in the park and I also love to hike the bowl. We also love the XGames. Fishing is another one of my favorite things to do with Alex. Thank you for the opportunities that I get through the Buddy Program!”

- Sawyer I Community-based Little Buddy, matched for 3.5 years and counting

“I love the Buddy Program because the community is very nice and helpful in tough situations. Another reason why I love it is because of the awesome Buddies they provide you with!”

Diego, M. I Current Buddy Program participant

"The Buddy Program has made me more outgoing and more comfortable within myself by offering these wonderful experiences where I can challenge myself and grow."

- Hayden LEAD Program Participant

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Volunteer at an event

Your time and energy are always welcome! Whether it's at the Bash for the Buddies, Boogie's Buddy Race, or one of our community events, we always need extra hands and smiling faces.

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Support the Buddy Program

Your donation of any amount helps provide essential mentor training and support, engaging activities and opportunities for youth, and the sustainability of our four youth mentoring programs. 

​The Buddy Program is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

Your donation may be tax-deductible to the fullest
extent of the law.

 

Our tax I.D. number is 74-2594693

Read our privacy policy.

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Together, we can ensure that every young person in the Roaring Fork Valley has access to meaningful mentoring experiences-at no cost.

You can make a gift that ripples

The Buddy Program’s National Council consists of generous and influential individuals who support and advance the organization's work.

Your National Council support helps the Buddy Program serve over 550 youth, families, Big Buddies, and volunteers throughout the Roaring Fork Valley through our four high-quality youth mentoring programs and other critical services. Your donation of $5,000 or more or the purchase of a table at the Bash for the Buddies valued at $10,000 or more entitles you to membership in the National Council for one year from the date of your payment.

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Your gift has benefits:

  • Invitations to special events, such as the Annual Celebration Dinner and National Council Thank You Reception

  • Prominent listing in Buddy Program publications, including the Annual Report and the Aspen Times thank you ads

  • Quarterly electronic newsletter 

  • Advance purchase for all Buddy Program events including the Bash for the Buddies

For more information about the Buddy Program’s National Council or to make a gift of stock, please contact Ali Welch,

at 970-920-2130 or ali@buddyprogram.org

Other ways to give

Explore the many ways you can make a meaningful contribution that goes beyond financial support, we invite you to discover giving opportunities and inspiring ideas for supporting Buddy Program youth.

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