Best Buddies<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n
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Since meeting two years ago, Barbee and McNeal have visited a bevy of classic eating joints. Calling themselves \u201ctourists in our own town,\u201d they also visit museums, botanical gardens and even the floats after the Rose Parade.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to see the world,\u201d 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.”<\/p>\n
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\u201cBut the best part of getting together is that we just get to laughing. We crack each other up.\u201d<\/p>\n
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. \u201cI really liked that I would be partnered one-on-one and we could do things together.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Neither remembers where they first met. \u201cI bet it was over lunch,\u201d 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\u2019s lives, families and interests.<\/p>\n
Barbee usually drives for their expeditions. \u201cWe have the same taste in music: classic soul and R&B,\u201d she said. \u201cWe sing along when we are driving.\u201d<\/p>\n
After burgers and fries, there was no room for dessert. \u201cPies to go!\u201d announced McNeal as they plotted their next excursion. They\u2019d love to hear live music, but that means finding early concerts. “Neither of us are late-night types,” explained Barbee, with McNeal nodding. \u201cBut we both would love to dance.\u201d<\/p>\n
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