Friendship, inclusion, and the power of showing up: How Best Buddies is building belonging in Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley

Rachael Fischer is a skier, a storyteller, and a state director with a mission. The Indiana native now leads Best Buddies in Colorado, part of a global nonprofit born from the Kennedy-Shriver legacy, that’s redefining inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). We met for coffee and our conversation quickly shifted from ski stories to something powder day deep — how one organization is transforming communities, one friendship at a time.

Founded by Anthony Kennedy Shriver in 1989, Best Buddies began with a simple idea: What if we built a world where everyone has a friend? That question sparked a movement that now operates in all 50 states and in 49 countries. In Colorado, it’s a movement that’s growing every day.

“At Best Buddies, we serve individuals from birth through adulthood,” said Rachael. “What began as a school-based friendship program has evolved into a lifelong support network — including adults well into their 70s. This isn’t a mentorship model; it’s about building authentic, inclusive, and reciprocal friendships.”

Building programs that last a lifetime

While friendship remains at the heart of the mission, Best Buddies in Colorado has expanded to meet broader needs across every life stage. The organization now runs four core programs: Friendship, Leadership Development, Integrated Employment, and Family Support.

“Our leadership development programs empower individuals with disabilities to advocate for themselves, speak publicly, and take on leadership roles within our organization,” Rachael explained. “Through that lens, it became clear — we’re also cultivating a capable workforce. These are individuals with talent and drive, who remain underemployed or excluded from meaningful work.”

That insight led to the creation of the Integrated Employment program, which places individuals in competitive jobs while providing coaching and long-term support.

“Our employment program is not just about job placement — it’s about long-term success,” she emphasized. “We support our candidates through every phase of the employment journey. If the first job isn’t a match, we reassess and try again. We’re committed for the long haul.”

Employers across Colorado are beginning to see the benefit — not just for individuals, but for their businesses.

“We encourage employers to think beyond compliance and ask: How can our workplace truly be inclusive? Often, small accommodations open the door for immense talent,” Rachael said.

“Studies have shown that neurodiverse employees bring unique strengths to the table, and we see that firsthand, every day.”

For younger participants, Best Buddies in Colorado is working to gather support for the BBI Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) program to start developing job readiness and life skills as early as age 14.

“Our goal is to start career and life skills development by age 14,” Rachael noted. “Early support lays the foundation for long-term success in employment, leadership, and independence.”

In 2024, Best Buddies in Colorado also launched its newest initiative: Family Support.

“Receiving a new diagnosis for your child can be overwhelming,” Rachael shared. “Our Family Support program connects parents with experienced mentors who’ve walked a similar path. When caregivers feel seen and supported, the entire family benefits.”

A festival of inclusion in Colorado’s most walkable town

Best Buddies is quickly becoming part of the fabric of Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley. Last year’s inaugural Friendship Walk in downtown Basalt drew over 400 attendees, with an energy that surprised even the organizers.

“This isn’t just a walk! It’s a full-scale Friendship Festival,” Rachael said with a smile. “It’s completely free and packed with fun, including music, sumptuous food from the Viceroy-prepared Chef Matt Zubrod, crafts, a petting zoo, and booths from our amazing community partners like WindWalkers. It’s a joyful celebration of inclusion.” The columnist interjects: Any Master Chef Zubrod event is instantly legendary. Thanks for all you do for our families, skiers, and guests in the valley, Matt! If inclusion is an art, Chef Zubrod is the joyful masterpiece.

The 2025 Best Buddies Friendship Walk returns on Saturday, June 1, from noon-3 p.m. amid Basalt’s newly revitalized pedestrian-centered streetscape I wrote about last year. The walk raises awareness and critical funds, but more than anything — it creates space for connection.

“We’re still looking for volunteers whether it’s helping with food, activities, or even face painting,” Rachael said. “For those who wish to give financially, we offer a $50 walk t-shirt. But at the heart of it, this event is about showing up and standing together to say: Everyone belongs.”

Looking forward: second annual Champion of the year gala

This summer, Best Buddies in Colorado will also host its signature fundraising event, the second annual Champion of the Year gala on July 3 at the St. Regis Aspen, one of the valley’s most anticipated social weekends.

“Our gala is one of our largest fundraisers,” Rachael added. “And we’re actively seeking passionate community leaders to join us in planning this opportunity or in supporting us as advisory board members, helping to direct our efforts where they matter most.”

Valley of inclusion

As our conversation wrapped up, Rachael offered a reflection that stuck with me long after the caffeine.

“There’s a perception that Aspen is exclusive,” she said thoughtfully. “But my experience has been the opposite. The people here are warm, generous, and eager to build a more inclusive valley and Best Buddies is proud to help in that effort.”

Whether through friendship, leadership, employment, or simply the joy of a summer afternoon in Basalt, Best Buddies is reminding Colorado that inclusion is action.

To get involved, volunteer, or support the mission, visit http://www.bestbuddies.org/colorado.

Damian O’Doherty is a longtime Aspen lax dad and founder of KO Public Affairs — a proven  powerhouse of problem solvers. Damian advises some of the world’s most prominent family offices on everything from strategic communications to philanthropic focus to community engagement. O’Doherty helped found, headquarter, and launch a Pulitzer Prize winning not-for-profit newsroom in his native Baltimore. Damian encourages all Aspen/Snowmass locals to contribute letters, content, advertising, and other expressions of support to our local news institutions.