Buddy Ambassador John Coulter Awarded Client of the Month at the Arc for his Public Work in Best Buddies

Buddy Ambassador John Coulter has been recognized by the Arc of San Francisco for his work in Best Buddies California. Through the Buddy Ambassadors program, John advocates for social inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. John completed his Buddy Ambassador training in March. He has since spoken at the Best Buddies California 5k Friendship Walk/Run, and at University of San Francisco Best Buddies chapter meetings.

John C. Speaking to the Bay Area Walk Participants

John brings a dynamic energy and natural charisma to his public speaking. Before the crowd of Friendship Walk participants at Crissy Field this spring, he stared intensely and pointed his finger, saying, “I’m looking at you, and I see Giants fans!” John knows how to connect with his audience, provoke, and excite.

John’s social prowess is a boon to his Best Buddies chapter at the University of San Francisco. John organizes group activities and one-to-one friendships between USF students and clients of the Arc. John brings his extroversion to bear in recruiting new members to the chapter, motivating chapter members, and making everyone feel welcome during events.

John has been a member of the USF Buddies chapter for several years. In the last year, he has enjoyed a deep and lasting friendship with USF senior Kelsey Jones. The two enjoy talking on the phone, eating out, volunteering, and going to sporting events. They also participate in USF chapter events together. John’s favorite events always involve the cheerleaders of the USF spirit squad.

John C. Hugging one of the Cheerleaders

USF Best Buddies was founded in 1989 and worked with two local high schools until 2007, when it established a lasting relationship with the Arc of San Francisco. The Arc of San Francisco is a non-profit service and advocacy organization for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families living in San Francisco and San Mateo counties.

The Client Advisory Committee of the Arc of San Francisco voted John Client of the Month in July. The Client Advisory Committee (CAC) is a group of self-advocates at the Arc. Best Buddies staff and chapter members are overjoyed that John’s work has garnered such public recognition.

http://thearcsf.org/self-advocates/ - link to page on Arc of SF website detailing the award given to John C. and its reasons.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXNmdTmahR8&feature=youtu.be – link to Youtube of John’s speech at the Friendship Walk.