Happenings & Stories
Happy National Nonprofit Day!
National Nonprofit Day, founded by Sherita J. Herling, commemorates August 17, 1894, when the Tariff Act became law and gave exemptions for charitable institutions and nonprofit organizations. Today, we celebrate National Nonprofit Day by recognizing the positive...
Hurricane Isaias
HDS is closely watching the forecast for Hurricane Isaias. Landfall is anticipated to occur north of our location sometime over the weekend, however we anticipate we will be fully operational throughout the weekend and into next week. HDS continues to operate...
How Employers Can Provide a Supportive Environment for ASD Employees
Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) bring a variety of strengths and skills to the workplace. With a rising number of young adults entering the workforce, whose ASD ranges from mild to severe, it is becoming increasingly important for employers to provide...
ASDY Tech Reunites Through Zoom
Our HDS Companies ASDY-Tech (Autism Spectrum Disorder Young Adult Technicians) team joined us for a Zoom “Party” to surprise their mentor, Terri Scharnow. Everyone was so happy to see one another after being in quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Program...
Cypress Bay B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Parents Find Out “What’s Out There”
In a blink of an eye, four years go by and students are ready to graduate, while many parents find themselves planning what their child’s future will look like after high school. This time can be very stressful for both the student and the parents. With that being...
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Virtual Class Comes to an End
Last Thursday, students from Cypress Bay B.R.I.D.G.E.S. program participated in their LAST online class of the 2020 school year. However, this ZOOM meeting wasn't like the others. It was a very special one where the facilitators presented a recap of the B.R.I.D.G.E.S....
Happy Memorial Day 2020
The HDS Foundation Resource Page is Now LIVE!
The time that you all have been waiting for has finally arrived!!! During the last few weeks, the HDS Foundation has been putting in hard work, day and night, to make sure we have a new and improved Resource Page for YOU! The Foundation’s primary mission is to...
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. GRANT
The HDS Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) Non-Profit Organization founded to provide mentoring services and opportunities to teens and young adults who have Autism-related disabilities—launched in 2008 by Founder and Chairman, Cristina Gilson-Miranda, the organization funds...
Getting Where You Need to Go!
Transportation is an important aspect for postsecondary transitions for teens and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). When they have the freedom to get to and from work, school, social activities, and medical appointments, their ability for independence...
Post-Secondary Pathways for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
The pathway between high school, postsecondary education, and employment can be quite daunting and challenging for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Fortunately, nowadays, students have options when meeting their graduation requirements during high...
Summer Fun!
Summer is back and teens are looking for some “safe” fun during this unprecedent time during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although, activities will not look the same as they did last summer, teens can still find activities to do and have lots of fun. Traditionally, teens...
HDS Foundation Highlights Cypress Bay B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Student
In today’s edition of the HDS Foundation's B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Student Spotlight, we are highlighting Sam, an upcoming 11th grader at Cypress Bay High School. During his time in quarantine, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Sam participated in online learning classes and...
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Class Says Good-bye For the Summer
Yesterday was a day filled with lots of “good-byes” and “air hugs” as the Cypress Bay B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students met at Library Park for their final CBI trip of the school year. Students enjoyed a brief social gathering while wearing masks and following social distancing...
2020 Virtual Youth and Parent Summit
Set your IPhone’s, Androids, and laptops for June 8th – 12th to tune in to this summer’s I’m Determined Summit hosted online! This youth and parent summit is an annual event sponsored by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the Partnership for People with...
Highlighting Students in the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program
Throughout the next few weeks, the HDS Foundation will be highlighting several students from the Cypress Bay High School and Homestead Senior High School B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Social Personal Skills Program. We are proud of each student and their accomplishments throughout...
HDS Companies Wraps Autism Awareness Month
As Autism Awareness Month comes to a close, we continue to shine a light on individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the possibilities that they create through their differing abilities. Throughout the month, HDS Foundation has shared community resources,...
How Young Adults with ASD Can Prepare for Employment
As High School students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), begin their postsecondary journey towards employment, they may begin to feel overwhelmed by the process of pursing their first job. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the families to help their child...
ADA Celebrates 30 Years of Progress in Access and Inclusion
Throughout the year, we have been celebrating 30 years of progress in access and inclusion, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the ADA Anniversary. The ADA was signed into law by President George H. W. Bush on July 26, 1990. Through passing this law,...
HDS Celebrates 22 Years of Commitment
Dear valued client and industry partners and HDS Family, This year we celebrate 22 years of commitment to affordable housing and community development, bringing technology and service solutions to this industry. Our mission for over two decades has been to support...
Cypress Bay B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Student Spotlight
In today's edition of our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Student Spotlight, we are highlighting Matt. He is a graduate of the Cypress Bay High School Class of 2020. Matt is an avid sports fan and follows everything related to sports. On any given day, Matt wears his favorite college...
WE HAVE MOVED OUR HEADQUARTERS
We are excited to announce that as of yesterday, June 1st, we are officially moved into our new headquarters in Miami Lakes, FL. Please make sure you UPDATE our new address as noted below, and distribute as needed to your departments. Our telephone numbers and email...
Highlighting Students in the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program
As we continue to share student stories and testimonials throughout the next few weeks, we hope everyone enjoys learning all about the fascinating young adults in the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S Social Personal Skills Program. We are very proud of our students and their efforts...
Guest Speaker Attends Cypress Bay B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Zoom Meeting
On Thursday, May 7th, the Cypress Bay B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class had a special guest speaker attend one of their Zoom meetings. Kate Gilson Miranda, a former Bay B.R.I.D.G.E.S. student, joined the Zoom meeting to share her experience transitioning from high school to...
A New World of Challenges and Opportunities Lies Ahead for Autistic Youths Transitioning to Adulthood
In 2018, HDS Companies (HDS) spearheaded an autism-focused employment initiative, ASDY-Tech (Autism Spectrum Disorder Youth-Tech). Inspired by our CEO, Cristina Miranda Gilson, who has an autistic daughter, the program focuses on work abilities, team-building...