The new year has started for the Cypress Bay B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class! Yesterday, the students went on their first CBI trip of the year to the Bank of America and Panera Bread where they were able to engage in their budgeting, resources, independence and social skills.

Students have been visiting the Bank of America through the school year to learn more about creating their own account, having their own credit cards, budgeting their money. Yesterday, the students learned how to deposit their checks through the ATM machine without having to go inside where the banker would do it for them. This was a huge step towards independent living for them.

After each student completed their deposit, everyone walked across the street to Panera Bread to enjoy a delicious lunch! The students arrived, ordered their own individual lunch, then paid with their debit cards. For the remainder of the time, the students socialized with one another laughing and telling each other stories from their winter break.

We are off to a great start with the Cypress Bay B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class! The HDS Foundation is excited to share more about our upcoming CBI events. Stay tuned!