Thank you to everyone who joined us for HDS Foundation: Parent Connect, Learn & Support Night!

A special shoutout to all the parents of our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students who attended and to Nathalie Stanish, M.S., Manager of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation & Transition and Adult Program at UMCARD for an amazing and informative presentation on Planning for Adulthood, covering employment, post-secondary education, adult programs, housing, transportation, and more.

A heartfelt thank you to Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza in Weston, for generously donating 50% of the cost of the food, your support helps make events like this possible!

Parents walked away with valuable information and resources to help their young adults thrive gaining practical strategies, new connections, and a deeper understanding of the transition to adulthood. Events like these empower families to confidently navigate the journey ahead together.

The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students kicked off their Community Based Instruction Trips with a fun and educational day at the mall!  After working hard at their job sites all week, students enjoyed a leisure day that put their budgeting and independent living skills into action. At Five Below, each student had a $10 budget, used calculators to track their spending, and successfully scanned, paid for, and bagged their own items at self-checkout!  This hands-on experience strengthened key B.R.I.D.G.E.S. skills of Budgeting, Independence, and Social Skills, while giving students a well-deserved day of fun and confidence-building!

HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students took a trip to Publix to put their budgeting and communication skills into action! Each student worked with an $18 budget to purchase a drink, meal, and dessert. Some headed to the deli for subs, while others explored the hot food section and they were excited to discover the popcorn chicken was BOGO! After students purchased their lunch, they headed back to school to enjoy their meal and socialize with their friends. These real-world experiences build essential life skills, and we are proud to provide these opportunities through our HDS Foundation B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Grant, giving students the chance to practice and grow in independence.

This October, HDS Foundation honors those who have bravely fought breast cancer, remembers the loved ones we have lost, and stands with the survivors whose strength inspires us all.  We recognize the importance of awareness, early detection, and support for individuals and families impacted by breast cancer. Together, we can spread hope, advocate for change, and continue the fight for a cure.

HDS Foundation proudly celebrates the many skills, talents, and contributions of people with disabilities in the American workforce. We honor this milestone by continuing to support inclusion, opportunity, and empowerment in our communities.