Giving back while learning important life skills, that’s what our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students experienced during their recent trip to Publix to support their local Harvest Drive!
Students worked in groups to find five items each to complete a Harvest Drive Box, using their shopping lists to navigate the aisles, compare prices, and make smart spending decisions. They practiced independence at self-checkout, scanning, bagging, and paying for their items. This meaningful hands-on activity helped students strengthen their confidence and independence while contributing to their community.

The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students recently volunteered with Hope at Miami Lakes United Methodist Church to help prepare gift bags for the upcoming Miami Lakes Pumpkin Patch event! Students worked together to fill each bag with care, practicing teamwork, responsibility, and social skills along the way. They also discovered how fun and rewarding it can be to make a positive impact in their community!

This weekend, our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had an unforgettable night at Homecoming! Students dressed up, danced, and enjoyed an evening full of fun, laughter, and memories. Events like these give our students a chance to practice social skills, build confidence, and celebrate with their peers in a real-world setting. From capturing group photos to enjoying the music and decorations, every moment was filled with joy and connection. We love seeing our students develop, connect, and create memories that will last a lifetime!

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!