Business-Savvy and Tech-Ready
We’re so proud of Noam, a sophomore in the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. program, for reaching an exciting achievement! This year, he earned certifications in Photoshop Premiere Pro and Business Management & Entrepreneurship. Noam set a goal and followed through with focus and determination. Congratulations, Noam! Keep up the amazing work!
Building Skills & Earning Confidence
We’re incredibly proud of Alexandra, an HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. senior who’s already making a difference! Along with her studies, she’s gaining valuable experience and earning money as a freelance babysitter. Her dedication and hard work are truly inspiring, and we’re excited to see all the amazing things she’ll accomplish in the future!
Learning Life Skills Through Gardening
Our Broward HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students participated in The Home Depot Garden Challenge, and they did an amazing job! This year, the project was scaled down from an outdoor garden to individual succulent planters. Working in teams of 2-3, they had a $50 budget to choose succulents, potting soil, drainage rocks, and planters. Before heading to Home Depot, they learned all about succulent care through videos and a custom PowerPoint to guide their shopping. Each student had the chance to plant and take care of their very own succulent, a perfect way to apply their new skills! 
Making a Difference, One Student at a Time
We are proud to share the stories of these amazing teens & young adults during Autism Acceptance Month! Having a disability is not a limitation, it’s part of the strength, perspective, and passion that fuels their journey. They’re pursuing their dreams, doing what they love, and inspiring others along the way.
Meet Meygan, a 2021 high school graduate and proud B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program alumna who continues to make a difference! Meygan participated in the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program for two years and is now pursuing her passion as an Education Major at Broward College. Recently, she reconnected with the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. teachers and is now volunteering in the classroom twice a week, making a meaningful impact on the students currently in the program. She’s also a dedicated tutor, helping students who need support in Algebra 2 and helping to build their confidence. Beyond the classroom, Meygan stays connected with several of her B.R.I.D.G.E.S. classmates, enjoying social activities together or spending time studying. Meygan plans to transfer to Florida International University to finish her degree in Education, and we have no doubt she’s going to be an incredible teacher!
Celebrating Jesus’ Path to Employment
Huge congratulations to Jesus on landing a new job! Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have paid off, and we couldn’t be happier for you. Wishing you all the success in this new chapter—go shine bright!
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...
HDS BRIDGES SUPER BOWL SOIREE
February is BUZZING with positive energy at our HDS BRIDGES Broward Program! Students planned and hosted a Super Bowl LVII-themed soirée for their high school administrators and peers in the Best Buddies Program. The big football game may be on a Sunday when kids are...
HDS Foundation needs your daily vote to win the 211 Broward Community Choice Award!
We are proud to share that our HDS Foundation is a Nominee for the 211 Broward, 2023 JM Family Enterprises Community Choice Award. This award is presented to a nonprofit organization that is making an impact through its Programs and Services in the lives of...
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Become Candlemakers!
Today, as part of their Community-Based Instruction (CBI), our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had the opportunity to try their hand at making candles. The team at ScentsAbility Candles, a nonprofit that offers an innovative social enterprise and serves as a source of...