Breast Cancer Awareness Month
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.
October marks the 80th Anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month
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.
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Practice Real-World Budgeting
We are so proud of our students for rising to the challenge and putting their life skills into action!
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Open Their First Bank Accounts
This past weekend, HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students took an exciting step toward independence by opening their own bank accounts at Bank of America ! As part of the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Grant, stipends are provided for each student, giving them the opportunity to set up an account and receive a debit card. Throughout the school year, students will participate in weekly Community-Based Instruction (CBI) outings to practice important life skills such as budgeting, calculating tax and tip, teamwork, and communication. These experiences help prepare them for life after high school. We are so proud of their progress and can’t wait to see what they accomplish this year!
College Mentors Making a Difference
HDS Foundation is proud to support students at the University of North Florida through our College Mentors Program in partnership with the Transition to Healthiness, Resourcefulness, Independence, Vocation, and Education (THRIVE) Program. The dedicated mentors have been busy completing certification training and meeting with THRIVE students to provide guidance, encouragement, and support tailored to each student’s individual needs and goals. Mentorship is the heart of THRIVE’s success, helping students build confidence, develop independence, and achieve their personal and academic goals. Thanks to our mentors, THRIVE continues to create a welcoming and empowering college experience where students can truly thrive! Here’s to another inspiring semester filled with growth, learning, and opportunity!
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Practice Life Skills
Leading up to Mother's Day, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. teachers designed the lesson plans to teach their students valuable life skills and prepare them to surprise their mothers with thoughtful presents. The lesson involved buying a card, a box of chocolates, and a plant...
A Canvas Without Limits
For this week’s Career Series, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students were delighted to have the opportunity to connect with Digital Artist Mike Spring via Zoom. Given the students' keen interest in pursuing Digital Art as a career path, Liz Falk, HDS Foundation Program...
Never Stop Learning because Life never Stops Teaching
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students headed out on a Community-Based Instruction (CBI) field trip to one of their favorite places, Mission BBQ. They enjoyed a delicious lunch with their teachers and peers. Students practiced their independence by ordering and paying for...
Teachers & Mentors Appreciation Week
As part of the 2023 Teacher & Mentor Appreciation Week, the HDS Foundation team is honoring the dedication of our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. and College Mentors Program teachers and mentors, who have worked tirelessly throughout the year to ensure the success of our...
Celebrating Student Achievements
Imagine…Believe…Achieve! Congratulations to all of the students for their accomplishments this year. We are so proud of you! April is Autism Acceptance Month. Be Aware. Be Kind. Be Understanding. We would like to celebrate the following students for their...
iCode – Empowering Future Innovators
Today, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students embarked on their weekly Community-Based Instruction (CBI) field trip to iCode, an interactive STEM Education Learning Center that provides coding and STEM instruction led by instructors for children from kindergarten to 12th...
HDS Companies Software Developer
During this week's HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S Career Series, Alejandro Clavelo, a Software Developer at HDS Companies, shared his career path from college to employment with the class. Initially aspiring to become an astronaut during his youth in Cuba, he dreamed of one day...
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Enjoy the Best Burgers in Town!
For students with autism spectrum disorder and related abilities, socializing and participating in everyday activities can be challenging. That is why our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Community Based Instruction (CBI) field trips are so important. Recently, our students enjoyed...
Dedicated Service Through Teamwork
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students headed to the local fire department for their Community Based Instruction (CBI) field trip. This CBI gave the students the opportunity to learn about what it entails to work in this field of helping others in the community when in...
Discovering the Beyond
During their Career Series this month, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students were able to connect with special guests, Sean Dunne, who serves as the Resources Management Officer (RMO) in the Exploration Research and Technology Group at Kennedy Space Center, and Dean Reges,...