This club focuses on developing one-to-one relationships with adults of mental and physical disabilities. Every college buddy is paired with an adult buddy and activities let the buddies have fun and bond.

College Buddy Director Melissa Stein (sophomore-elementary education), said this club is making a world of difference.

"A lot of these adults don't have family or friends who care about them," Stein said. "Interacting with college students allows them to have social benefits and build a true friendship."

Best Buddies is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with mental retardation. Originally founded in 1987 by a college student, Best Buddies has grown from one chapter on a college campus to an international organization involving middle school, high school and college students. About 25,000 people are involved in Best Buddies worldwide.

The adult participants involved in the Penn State chapter are mostly residents of the local adult home, Strawberry Fields, 403 S. Allen St. The rest live in group homes or with their parents.

Stein said the adults range in all types of capability levels.

Activities Coordinator Therese Waltz (junior-biology), said it's important that the disabled can find trust in a buddy.

"The best way for these adults to be incorporated into a mainstream society is by making friends with them and hanging out," Waltz said.

As a way for the buddies to socialize, group outings are offered once a month.

"We've found that pizza parties in the Pollock Recreation Room are a big hit," Stein said. "We also just hang out, play some games and do arts and crafts."

During the week of Halloween, Best Buddies sponsored a costume party in Pollock Commons where the buddies painted pumpkins. Also, other activities were offered such as "pass the pumpkin" and icing cookies.

The Penn State chapter has 25 active members and 25 to 30 participating adults. The club is currently recruiting members.

Gillian Conaghan (sophomore-marketing) has been involved with Best Buddies since the beginning of her freshman year.

"One summer I worked at a camp for mentally and physically handicapped people," Conaghan said. "Once I got to college, I felt the need to work with the handicapped again. Best Buddies was a good way to do this."

Conaghan and her buddy since her freshman year hang out and do things that they both like.

"We both enjoy watching movies together and we eat out," Conaghan said. "College buddies are supposed to call their buddy about once a week and hang out outside the group events."

Conaghan said she enjoys meeting different types of people and Best Buddies has given her that chance.

Meetings are held once a month. To become a buddy, contact Melissa Stein at (814)-867-3779.