Budgeting | Resources | Independent Functioning | Development | Growth | Empowerment | Social Skills
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program supports the development of school-based social and community life skills activities designed to meet the needs of ASD High School Students. Structured in the form of a grant, the Foundation encourages High School ESE Departments to create school-based programs that provide opportunities year-round for Social, Independence, Community and Personal Development to teens who have Developmental Disabilities within this population. The recipients of the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Grant can accomplish this by incorporating various community based-field trips to local businesses who are poised to provide potential future employment, life skills development initiatives such as establishing bank accounts, shopping opportunities, learning about transportation options, and social skills opportunities during the school year that allow for the inclusion of these students to typical high school activities such as Homecoming, Football Games, Prom, and many others. These are conduits to building better communication tools, peer mentoring, fostering friendships, and preparation for life after high school, including post-secondary.
Real-World Learning, Real-Life Skills
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students kicked off the school year with an exciting Community-Based Instruction trip to Super Target and Pollo Tropical. At Super Target, students used their classroom supply lists to identify needed items, locate them throughout the store, and...
A Special Thank You
Thank you to all the parents, teachers, friends, and family members who came out to support our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program during the recent Thermomix presentation. The Thermomix is an all-in-one smart kitchen appliance that combines guided cooking with easy-to-use...
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. 5th Annual Alumni Reunion
What an incredible afternoon of reconnecting, reminiscing, and celebrating friendships! The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. alumni from the graduating classes of 2013 through 2026 came together for our 5th Annual Reunion at Strikers. Alumni enjoyed an afternoon filled with laughter,...
Kicking Off the 2026-2027 School Year with B.R.I.D.G.E.S.
The HDS Foundation is excited to begin another incredible year of opportunities through our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Grant Program! We recently had the pleasure of visiting our Miami-Dade and Broward County schools during our Meet & Greet events and connecting with the...
Mentorship That Makes a Difference
This semester, the HDS Foundation is proud to continue its partnership with University of North Florida THRIVE Program, connecting students with dedicated mentors who are committed to supporting their success both in and out of the classroom. After completing...
A First Account, A Big Step Toward Independence
Our newest B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students recently visited Bank of America, with their parents to open their first bank accounts, and it was a proud moment for everyone involved! This is just the beginning. Students will soon return to the bank with their classmates to make...
Opening Doors to New Opportunities
We are incredibly proud of our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. alumni who graduated this year! Their hard work, determination, and growth have led them to exciting opportunities as they complete internships with the City of Hialeah Project Search and Boeing. Congratulations on this...
Support Autism Programs Across Florida!
Join the HDS Foundation Board Members in supporting individuals with Autism by purchasing an Autism Specialty License Plate. Every plate helps fund programs and opportunities that make a difference in the lives of teens, young adults, and families throughout Florida....
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Alumni Spotlight: Zachariah
We are proud to recognize Zachariah, a 2025 graduate of the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program in Miami-Dade County! Through hard work, dedication, and valuable workplace experience gained through Project Search at Boeing, Zachariah successfully completed a paid internship and...
Student Spotlight: Camilo Shares His Experience
Meet Camilo, one of our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students! Camilo shares how the program has helped him build confidence, develop important life skills, and prepare for greater independence. Stories like his remind us of the power of creating opportunities for individuals with...
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Alumni Spotlight: Katelyn Reaches New Heights
We are proud to spotlight Katelyn, a 2024 graduate of the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program, who continues to pursue her goals and explore new opportunities! Katelyn is currently attending Nova Southeastern University, where she is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Business,...
HDS Alumni Spotlight: Nicolas’ Journey of Growth and Achievement
Since graduating in 2024, Nicolas has been making impressive strides at Broward College, where he is pursuing an Associate of Science degree in Network Systems Technology and Network Security/Cybersecurity while building a promising future in the technology field. He...
Making a Difference Together: Med Pro Healthcare Staffing Supports HDS Foundation
A heartfelt thank you to Gaby Schwein-Johnson and the incredible team at Med Pro Health Care Staffing! Gaby, a former B.R.I.D.G.E.S. teacher, introduced the HDS Foundation's mission to her new workplace, and we are so grateful for her advocacy and support. We are...
Building Skills, Confidence, and Independence
Molly, an upcoming senior in the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program, shared how the program has helped her grow in confidence, independence, and everyday life skills. Through real-world experiences and support in the classroom, she has gained the tools she needs to prepare for...
Paris Bound: Molly Earns Her Spot on the Special Olympics USA Team
Molly has qualified for the Special Olympics USA Team and will be traveling to Paris this summer! Since age 4, soccer has been a big part of Molly’s life. In 2025, she began playing with Special Olympics and found more than just a sport, she found her happy place....
A Year to Remember: Celebrating Our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class had a wonderful graduation party to celebrate everyone's accomplishments throughout this past year. Students participated in graduation themed activities including puzzles and word searches and had the opportunity to make end of year...
Graduation Day: Celebrating the Journey and the Success of Our Students
We are so proud to celebrate the graduates from our Miami-Dade and Broward County B.R.I.D.G.E.S. programs! Their dedication, perseverance, and hard work have brought them to this incredible milestone. As they take the next steps in their postsecondary journeys, we...
Why This Work Matters: Celebrating the Growth and Success of Our Students
Some people are fortunate to find a career they are truly passionate about. From my beginnings as a public-school teacher to my role as Program Manager of the HDS Foundation, I have had the privilege of working with the most incredible and inspiring students with...
Turning Challenges into Purpose: Carter Bonas Inspires B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students
We were honored to welcome Carter Bonas to the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class! At just 15, Carter is already inspiring others through his journey of resilience, turning challenges into purpose through golf, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. ⛳ As the founder of Carter’s...
Congratulations B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students!
City of Stars: Celebrating a Night to Remember at Prom
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had an unforgettable time celebrating Prom with this year’s 'City of Stars' theme Students enjoyed a magical evening filled with great food, dancing, and socializing with friends. It was a night full of joy, connection, and lasting memories...
A Perfect End-of-Year Celebration
After a fantastic year of hard work and achievement, the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students celebrated with a fun-filled trip to Bird Bowl! Students enjoyed bowling, sharing pizza, and challenging one another in arcade games. The day was full of laughter, excitement, and...
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Celebrate Growth & Friendship
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class had their End of Year party at Japan Inn to celebrate a wonderful year of learning and friendship. Students had the opportunity to choose an item from the lunch menu practicing skills such as decision making, ordering themselves, and...
Cheers to an Incredible Year: B.R.I.D.G.E.S. End-of-Year Celebration
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class celebrated a memorable End-of-Year luncheon at Chili's Bar & Grill, filled with great food, laughter, and time to reflect on an incredible year of growth, friendship, and achievement. A special highlight was a surprise slideshow featuring...
Discovering Pathways: Students Explore Career Opportunities at Arc Broward
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had a wonderful opportunity to visit Arc Broward and explore their incredible Arc Educates post‑graduate programs! Students had the opportunity to take part in an inspiring and informative tour of the facility. During their visit, they...
Grant Application – Now Closed
The HDS Foundation B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Grant application cycle is now closed.
Applications are under review, and applicants will be notified once decisions are finalized.