Jennifer Barbee (left) and Sakina McNeal have created a long-lasting friendship through the Best Buddies program. “The best part of getting together is that we just get to laughing,” says McNeal. “We crack each other up.”
Eastsider staff photo by Brenda Rees
El Sereno—Jennifer Barbee and Sakina McNeal took counter seats at the Apple Pan, eager to sample the lunchtime burgers at the famed Westside diner. “I gotta save room for chocolate coconut pie,” said McNeal as she scanned the menu.
Barbee and McNeal met through Best Buddies, a program that connects individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities with a volunteer friend. It started in schools in 1989 and later expanded to match older participants. It’s now an international organization and boasts about 114 active pairs in Southern California.
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
Since meeting two years ago, Barbee and McNeal have visited a bevy of classic eating joints. Calling themselves “tourists in our own town,” they also visit museums, botanical gardens and even the floats after the Rose Parade.
“We want to see the world,” says McNeal, who doesn’t let her dyslexia disability stop her. Her mother originally discovered and recommended the Best Buddies program because “She knows I like to get out and explore.”
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
“But the best part of getting together is that we just get to laughing. We crack each other up.”
An El Sereno resident, Barbee recalled being an L.A. Derby Doll, which encouraged skaters to pursue volunteer opportunities outside the rink. When she left the Dolls, Barbee wanted to carry that spirit forward. Best Buddies caught her eye. “I really liked that I would be partnered one-on-one and we could do things together.”
Neither remembers where they first met. “I bet it was over lunch,” says McNeal, who lives in Santa Monica. The two get together several times a month, and there are check-in phone calls. Both know each other’s lives, families and interests.
Barbee usually drives for their expeditions. “We have the same taste in music: classic soul and R&B,” she said. “We sing along when we are driving.”
After burgers and fries, there was no room for dessert. “Pies to go!” announced McNeal as they plotted their next excursion. They’d love to hear live music, but that means finding early concerts. “Neither of us are late-night types,” explained Barbee, with McNeal nodding. “But we both would love to dance.”
Support Eastside Community News — Now Tax-Deductible
You can now make a tax-deductible contribution to support The Eastsider’s civic and accountability coverage on the Eastside.
Choose what works for you:
• Become a monthly supporter and help us reach 500 neighbors funding daily reporting
• Make a single gift to our new Eastside Community News Fund
Strong local news keeps residents informed and leaders accountable.
Thank you for your consideration.
—Jesús Sanchez, Publisher