Students Build Financial Skills in Real-World Banking
On Friday, January 24th, our Social Personal Skills Class took a hands-on approach to financial literacy with a CBI outing to Bank of America! Students practiced depositing checks at the ATM using their debit cards—after first honing their banking skills in class.
After banking, the students headed to Panera for lunch! Some deposits weren’t immediately credited, so students’ problem-solved by tracking their purchases and reimbursing their teachers via Zelle in the next class. This experience reinforced essential online banking skills and real-world money management.
Through this outing, the students covered key BRIDGES areas:
B – Budgeting
R – Resources
S – Social Skills
Great job to all our students for practicing independence and problem-solving!
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!
The Heart of Special Olympics
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had the opportunity to participate in the Special Olympics at their high school. Students demonstrated their abilities in the relay race, long jump, and softball throw. Before the day's events, students took time to go outside with...
HDSF B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Learn about Tequesta Native Americans
Each year, as part of the Community-Based Instruction (CBI) field trips, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students spend a morning at Peace Mound Park in Weston, learning about the history of the Tequesta Native Americans. The 8.16-acre neighborhood park with waterfront views...
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Turn the Classroom into a Wood Shop for the Day
What a terrific day for the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students as they put on their wood-maker hats and choose what they wanted to build: a race car, pinball, or soccer game from Home Depot pre-cut wooden kits. Each student had the opportunity to create the project of their...
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Get a Taste of Patriotism
Patriotism and barbeque are what the HDSF B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students enjoyed during their lunch outing at Mission BBQ. Before the students headed to the restaurant, they reviewed the menu and decided what to order for lunch. The challenge was to order a main entree,...
Cypress Bay High School ESE Transition Fair & College Night
The HDS Foundation (HDSF) enjoyed participating at Cypress Bay High School ESE Transition Fair & College Night. In preparation for the event, Program Manager Liz Falk assisted the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. teacher, Alma Gonzalez, and Job Coach, Paula Wright, in helping...
Cypress Bay BRIDGES Home Depot Flower Garden CBI
“Flowers are like friends; they bring diversity to your world.” The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Broward students worked on planting a flower garden at their high school over the past three weeks to enhance the garden space. The students participated in several activities to...
Congratulation to the Nominees and Winners of the 12th Annual 211 Broward Community Care Plan Non-Profit Awards
On behalf of our Board of Directors, Junior Board Members, and Program Managers at the HDS Foundation, we want to congratulate the nominees and winners of the Community Care Plan Non-Profit Awards Presented by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. The 211 Broward...
Cypress Bay HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students create Visions Boards
Our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Broward students spent the past few weeks creating their vision boards. The class facilitators, Donna Mansolillo and Kathy Gorman-Gard begin the unit each year by having the students create vision boards. Once the students complete their boards...
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Enjoy Lunch at their Local Panera Bread Cafe
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Community-Based Instruction (CBI) outings that we host in collaboration with our local high school partners are much more than purely educational. They are an opportunity for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other abilities to feel...
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Create Wood Designs
Students from our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program visited Board & Brush Creative Studio as part of their Community-Based Instruction (CBI). They each had an opportunity to use their imagination to create a personalized wood design. Various stencils, including those...