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.
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...
Surfing with Souza
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students “rolled” into an exciting and interactive Q&A experience with their principal, Mr. Souza. To prepare, students created thoughtful questions across different categories—like “get to know you,” school life, leadership, and advice for...
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Seniors Take on Grad Bash!
Our Miami -Dade B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Seniors had an amazing time attending Grad Bash! Thanks to the support of the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Grant, students were given the opportunity to participate in this unforgettable experience alongside their peers. It was a night full of...
Special Delivery: A Heartfelt Learning Experience
Last week, our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had a meaningful hands-on learning experience! They learned all about what it takes to send a letter—including how to write a mailing address, return address, and add a stamp. Students addressed their own envelopes and wrote...
Celebrating the Heart of Our Programs: Honoring Our Dedicated Educators
We are excited to spotlight our amazing teachers and education support professionals in our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. and University of North Florida THRIVE Programs. Each day, they bring dedication, passion, and a deep commitment to empowering students to grow, succeed, and...
Scoops, Smiles, and Success
After a year of hard work at Jeremiah's Ice in Weston and helping the shop open this school year, the owners surprised the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students with an ice cream party to say, "thank you"! Before the visit, students explored the menu, calculated their totals, and...
Behind the Badge: A Day at BSO Weston
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class had an unforgettable visit to the Broward Sheriff's Office in Weston! Students enjoyed a behind the scenes tour of the facility, including an up-close look at the jail cells. Students had the opportunity to meet and speak with several police...
Celebrating Earth Day Through Mindfulness, Movement, and Nature
To celebrate Earth Day, students enjoyed a meaningful and engaging outing to a local park, where they participated in a mindfulness-based yoga session led by a local yoga instructor and occupational therapist, The Mindful OT and Mindful Holistic Wellness. During the...
Bowling for a Cause—Thank You for Making It Special!
We’re incredibly thankful to everyone who took part in our Bowling for a Cause event! The day was filled with fun, laughter, inclusion, and great memories shared across the lanes. Seeing our HDS community come together-students, families, teachers, staff, friends, and...
Exploring Nature: A Hands-On Learning Experience
Our Miami-Dade B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students enjoyed an enriching field trip to Markham Park in Broward County, where they visited the Weston Community Garden. The students were warmly welcomed by the Community Garden Board Members Gina Reichenbach and Vianey Covarrubias,...
A Day at Flamingo Gardens!
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had a fantastic day exploring Flamingo Gardens! They learned interesting facts about wildlife and nature, visited animal habitats, walked through beautiful gardens, and enjoyed a tram ride around the park. Students made great classroom...
Broward Sheriff’s Office Autism Family Day
This exciting community event brought together families, educators, and local organizations for a day dedicated to connection, support, and celebration of individuals with Autism. The HDS Foundation, alongside several other nonprofit organizations, hosted resource...
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.