
Fitness Fun with Our Miami Dade Students!
This week our amazing Miami Dade students had the opportunity to visit Caution Crossfit for an unforgettable workout experience! They jumped, lifted, and stretched their way through a fantastic session, all while learning the importance of staying active and healthy.







January is Mentoring Month!
Mentors play a vital role in shaping our future by offering guidance, encouragement, and support when we need it most. Whether it’s helping us navigate a challenge, inspiring us to reach our goals, or just being there to listen, mentors make a lasting impact.
This month, we celebrate those who give their time, knowledge, and heart to lift others up. Let’s take a moment to thank the mentors who have shaped our lives and celebrate the power of mentorship in creating brighter futures for all.

A Night to Remember at the Friendship Journey Gala!
A Night to Remember at the Friendship Journey Gala!
The HDS Foundation had an incredible evening celebrating friendship and community at the Friendship Journey Gala. We are beyond honored to have received the Community Champion Award, recognizing our dedication to fostering inclusion and opportunities for all.
The excitement didn’t stop there—our very own board member, Kate Gilson-Miranda, won the Theatre Lovers Raffle Basket, adding even more joy to the night!
From heartfelt moments to fun surprises, it was truly a night filled with connection, celebration, and laughter. A good time was had by all, and we are already looking forward to the next one!

POV: Ringing in the Holiday Season
What an incredible time we had at the Miami Lakes Festival of the Lights! From the dazzling lights to the festive music and holiday cheer, it was truly a magical night.
A huge thank you to the Graham Company for organizing such an amazing event and bringing the community together in such a special way. Your dedication makes this season brighter for everyone!
We also want to send a heartfelt thank you to all the amazing people who stopped by our table! Your support means the world to us, and we’re so excited to see how you’ll help spread the word about our foundation and the work we’re doing. Together, we can make a real impact.
Here’s to more community, connection, and holiday spirit!

Florida Coalition Homelessness Conference Highlights! Day 3
Florida Coalition Homelessness Conference Highlights!
Today, I had the privilege of attending two incredible sessions at the Florida Conference on Ending Homelessness, each filled with powerful insights and calls to action.
The Criminalization of Homelessness
This plenary session shed light on the troubling rise in criminalization efforts across the nation, exploring the implications of a recent Supreme Court decision and the surge in violence against unhoused individuals. Data was shared to emphasize the gravity of the issue, and the speakers offered evidence-based solutions as alternatives to criminalization. Key takeaways included the importance of compassion-driven practices and the urgent need to move beyond punitive measures.
Let’s Talk Change: Youth Leading the Conversation on Homelessness
From 11:10 AM to 12:10 PM, I joined a transformative town hall where young leaders with lived experiences of homelessness took the stage. Members of the Youth Action Board (YAB) led an open, honest discussion about breaking free from short-term solutions and driving real, sustainable change. Their courage and vision were truly inspiring, reminding us why youth leadership is crucial to advocacy and change.
Key Lessons from Today’s Sessions:
• You have the power
• Listen to what they need
• We all need to come together
• Involve lived experience youth and young adults in leadership
• Purpose and passion matter
• Be a voice and speak for the cause
• Be radical and intentional
• Share your story—this is who we are
These sessions ignited my determination to keep advocating for real, impactful solutions to end homelessness. Together, through intentionality, passion, and listening to those with lived experience, we can create lasting change.

Fitness Fun with Our Miami Dade Students!
This week our amazing Miami Dade students had the opportunity to visit Caution Crossfit for an unforgettable workout experience! They jumped, lifted, and stretched their way through a fantastic session, all while learning the importance of staying active and healthy....

January is Mentoring Month!
Mentors play a vital role in shaping our future by offering guidance, encouragement, and support when we need it most. Whether it's helping us navigate a challenge, inspiring us to reach our goals, or just being there to listen, mentors make a lasting impact. This...

Join us as we celebrate our 16th anniversary!
Join us as we celebrate our 16th anniversary! HDS Foundation has been a source of empowerment, creating opportunities and fostering growth within the Autism Community. It’s been an incredible journey filled with memories, growth, and all of YOU who make this community...

Unity Day
“Unity to be real must stand the severest strain without breaking.” Mahatma Gandhi

Proud to come together for Unity Day
We’re proud to come together to build a stronger community, promoting kindness, acceptance, and inclusion all year long. Check out our video to see our team showing up in unity for this important cause.

Growth, Empowerment and Community Service
On Friday, October 4th, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. team had a fun outing to Publix to gather supplies for the Harvest Drive! The students teamed up in groups of 3 to 4, each armed with a $25 gift card to shop for specific items from the Harvest Drive list. This annual...

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
️ October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month ️ Join HDS Foundation to raise awareness, support survivors, and encourage early detection. Every step we take helps in the fight against breast cancer. Whether it's sharing information, getting screened, or supporting loved...

Best Buddies Organization
“Best Buddies are the family we choose for ourselves.” - Best Buddies Organization

National Homeownership Month
National Homeownership Month, celebrated each June, honors the American dream of owning a home. It recognizes the importance of homeownership in providing stability, building wealth, and fostering community. This month highlights programs and policies that support...

HDS Foundation Hosts the Inaugural We R.I.S.E for Autism Golf Classic, Presented by HDS Companies in Support of the Autism Community
Fort Lauderdale, Florida – HDS Foundation (HDSF) successfully hosted its inaugural We R.I.S.E. for Autism Golf Classic at Jacaranda Golf Club in Plantation, renowned as South Florida’s premier semi-private golf facility. The tournament was Presented by HDS Companies,...