Neighbors and Friends
This past month, the HDS Foundation had the opportunity to collaborate with the ESE Social Skills project class in a ‘getting to know each other’ lunch event. Cristina Miranda, President of the HDS Foundation, together with Ms. Donna Mansollilo, Mrs. Kathleen Gorman-Gard (both co-teachers of this project class), and Dr. Sandy Rizzo Weiner of Customized Interventions coordinated this activity. A custom map was created in order to aid the students in familiarizing themselves with the Weston area, specifically with the locations they frequent, including restaurants, grocery stores, and movie theaters. Additionally, the students engaged in informative “friendship interviews,” in which they were able to find out more about each other. Following each interview question, the students rotated and partnered up with a new classmate to make sure they each had opportunities to interview different classmates, making for a wholly diversified experience. Through this activity, they learned a great deal about each other, including their favorite foods, what kind of movies they liked, and which of them was their neighbor.
Although this experience seems simple and introductory on the surface, it nonetheless is vital for the development of the students’ social skills. Possessing the ability to talk to somebody unfamiliar is a huge component of socializing and making new friends. The students gained exposure to this through the asking of questions they carried out. Even more, though, is the understanding of where a person comes from and how he or she lives on a day-to-day basis. This knowledge of a person’s background gives insight into the lens through which that person views the world, otherwise known as their own perspective. And, in socializing, perspective is key. Understanding where a person is coming from and how they may be feeling is vital to having successful conversation. The exposure the students got to this concept from this lunch event has brought them one step closer to feeling comfortable and ready to converse in social situations.
Light it up Blue #LIUB
World Autism Day is April 2, 2015. At HDS we join thousands of companies who will Light it Up Blue #LIUB. Autism touches most of our lives; either we have a family member, a friend, a co-worker, or know of someone who lives with Autism. The HDS Foundation, Inc. was founded in 2009 by Cristina Miranda, CEO of HDS, Inc. with the mission of supporting Teens and Young Adults with Autism and related disabilities by providing mentoring and work-skill opportunities. As a parent of a Teen with Autism, this effort is very close to her heart. These activities are being accomplished via the corporation’s subsidiaries Housing and Development Software and eHousingPlus.
World Autism Day and Autism Awareness Month (April) are special times where we show unity in support of the challenges and struggles this community faces. But additionally, we celebrate the many gains, the growth in awareness and support of programs that will enrich the lives of these individuals, and a genuine care and desire to help. At HDS, we’ve been doing our part. Our staff and families have a better understanding of what an individual living with Autism faces each day, and how they navigate their day to day activities. Our staff is supportive to local events and fundraising, and one of the reasons why we are making small strides in our mentorship program.
HDS Inc. is a small business, minority owned (WBENC) software and services company focused in the affordable housing and community development markets. “Most companies, no matter how small, are in a position to transform the lives of these individuals. Just making a difference in the life of one person can be enough. Many small businesses have a need of supportive, office-related work, even if part-time. Companies have skills they can teach, and provide work experience in order for them to build a work history. It just takes a little tweaking of the standard practices” explains Cristina. “The HDS Foundation will continue to look for opportunities where we can create programs to mentor and facilitate potential business opportunities for this community”.
HELP SUPPORT OUR PROGRAMS! You can make donations directly on our website
2015 Dan Marino Foundation WalkAbout Autism Fundraiser
2015 Dan Marino Foundation WalkAbout Autism Fundraiser
HDS once again joined the Cypress Bay High School Lightning Team to raise funds in support of the Dan Marino Walkabout Autism event, January 24th, 2015. HDS has participated in this fundraiser since the very 1st DMF Walk-About-Autism. For the past couple of years, HDS merged its team with the Cypress Bay High School “Team Lightning”, in order to make an even greater contribution.
HDS has as established relationship with the school via the CBHS’ ESE Programs, and has mentored special needs students at the HDS workplace The school’s ESE department is eligible to receive 25% of the funds raised as a direct grant, making the effort even more special, allowing them to acquire much needed equipment and supplies. Katherine Gilson-Miranda, is the daughter of Cristina Miranda, founder of The HDS Foundation, Inc., and also a student at Cypress Bay. This year not only did our Team win the top K-12 Public School in Broward County Top Place raising $13, 883.04, but Kate also was the top fundraiser in the entire event, individually raising $11,958.00. Kudos to all of our Team members, family and friends who support this walk each year! And thanks to all of the people who
Start A Small Business
A Program for Persons and Families with Developmental Disabilities
Picasso Einstein’s E4i program provides solutions to families and individuals interested in exploring or pursuing self-employment.
– PROJECT FAMILY –
a course for parents/caregivers interested in starting a small business with the purpose of creating meaningful employment for their loved one with a disability.
Class Begins: January 10, 2015
SATURDAYS: 10AM-12PM
– OPERATION INDEPENDENCE –
a course for students with developmental disabilities interested in learning about starting, operating, and growing a small business.
Class Begins:January 10, 2015
Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:30PM-5:30PM
Location: 1601 N Palm Avenue,
Pembroke Pines, FL 33026
Looking at the Whole Child not just a test score
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