Happenings & Stories

Class of 2025 You Did It!

Class of 2025 You Did It!

  The countdown is over, and the cap and gown moment has arrived. As you step into the next chapter whether it's college, a new job, or discovering your path know that this is only the beginning of your amazing journey. We're so proud of your hard work,...

Happy Teacher/Mentor Appreciation Week! 

Happy Teacher/Mentor Appreciation Week! 

We’re sending a huge THANK YOU to our incredible HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. and HDS College teachers and mentors this week, who go above and beyond every single day. Their dedication, patience, and passion help shape meaningful futures for our students both in and out of the...

Broward Sheriff’s Office Family Autism Day

Broward Sheriff’s Office Family Autism Day

​ The HDS Foundation was proud to be part of the Broward Sheriff's Office Family Autism Day held today at Cypress Bay High School. We had the pleasure of connecting with families in our community and sharing valuable resources and programs designed to empower...

More Than a Meal: Lessons for Life

More Than a Meal: Lessons for Life

Our Broward HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students recently had the chance to enjoy several Community-Based Instruction (CBI) lunch outings, each one offering valuable real-world learning and social experiences! They visited three local favorites: Outback, Offerdahl's...

Exploring STEM Futures at Broward College

Exploring STEM Futures at Broward College

The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had an exciting opportunity to spend the day at Broward College exploring the ACCESS (Accelerating College Completion by Engaging Students in STEM) Project, a Title III Grant initiative. This project supports both the academic and...

HDS Mentors Making a Difference

HDS Mentors Making a Difference

A huge thank you to our amazing HDS Companies team members, Bridget Wong, Ashley Walker, and Delisay Baldaji for inspiring our Cypress Bay B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students during their Career Series! These incredible women shared their journeys from college to launching...

Business-Savvy and Tech-Ready

Business-Savvy and Tech-Ready

We’re so proud of Noam, a sophomore in the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. program, for reaching an exciting achievement! This year, he earned certifications in Photoshop Premiere Pro and Business Management & Entrepreneurship. Noam set a goal and followed through with focus...

Building Skills & Earning Confidence

Building Skills & Earning Confidence

We’re incredibly proud of Alexandra, an HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. senior who’s already making a difference! Along with her studies, she’s gaining valuable experience and earning money as a freelance babysitter. Her dedication and hard work are truly inspiring, and we’re...

Learning Life Skills Through Gardening

Learning Life Skills Through Gardening

Our Broward HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students participated in The Home Depot Garden Challenge, and they did an amazing job! This year, the project was scaled down from an outdoor garden to individual succulent planters. Working in teams of 2-3, they had a $50 budget to...

Making a Difference, One Student at a Time

Making a Difference, One Student at a Time

We are proud to share the stories of these amazing teens & young adults during Autism Acceptance Month! Having a disability is not a limitation, it's part of the strength, perspective, and passion that fuels their journey. They’re pursuing their dreams, doing what...

A Day of Celebration, Unity, and Acceptance

A Day of Celebration, Unity, and Acceptance

Special thanks to the amazing HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. teachers at our Miami-Dade High School for hosting such a fantastic event in celebration of Autism Acceptance Month! Our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students and their classmates enjoyed a day filled with sweet treats donated by...

On the Road to Independence

On the Road to Independence

Huge congratulations to Zacharia on getting his learner’s permit!  This is such an exciting milestone, and we’re so proud of you for taking this big step toward independence. Wishing you safe and happy driving adventures ahead!

An Unforgettable Night of Inclusion & Hockey

An Unforgettable Night of Inclusion & Hockey

  Special thanks to The Friendship Journey & Samantha Novick, for inviting us to Autism Acceptance Night with the Florida Panthers! It was an unforgettable evening filled with hockey, community, and inclusion. We’re so grateful for the opportunity to be part...

Best Buddies Friendship Walk

Best Buddies Friendship Walk

This past weekend, our Miami-Dade HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students joined the Best Buddies Friendship Walk. They celebrated inclusion, friendship, and community. The event was packed with family-friendly fun, from games and music to delicious food and sensory-friendly...

Spotlight on Kate Gilson Miranda

Spotlight on Kate Gilson Miranda

Kate wears many hats, a sister, daughter, aunt, cousin, niece, granddaughter, team member, and role model but above all, she is a leader in empowerment and inclusion. As an HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. alumna, University of North Florida graduate, and HDS Foundation Board...

Celebrating Autism Acceptance with Miguel

Celebrating Autism Acceptance with Miguel

I had an amazing conversation with Miguel about Autism Acceptance Month!  We talked about what this month means to him personally and why shifting the focus from awareness to true acceptance is so important. His insights were so powerful because at the end of the day,...