Happy Teacher/Mentor Appreciation Week!
Broward Sheriff’s Office Family Autism Day
The HDS Foundation was proud to be part of the Broward Sheriff’s Office Family Autism Day held today at Cypress Bay High School. We had the pleasure of connecting with families in our community and sharing valuable resources and programs designed to empower individuals with Autism and other related disabilities. This event was a fantastic opportunity to engage with local organizations dedicated to supporting families through tools, guidance, and advocacy. Thank you to everyone who stopped by the HDS Foundation table to learn more about how we’re helping students and families build brighter futures through education, transition programs, and community involvement.
HDS Board Member Honored as Best Buddies Florida State Ambassador
We are excited to share that HDS Foundation Board Member Kate Gilson Miranda has been named one of the Best Buddies Florida State Ambassadors for 2025–2027! Kate’s passion, dedication, and commitment to inclusion continue to inspire us all, and this honor is so well-deserved! Please join us in congratulating Kate on this incredible achievement! We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see the amazing impact you’ll make in the years ahead!
More Than a Meal: Lessons for Life
Our Broward HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students recently had the chance to enjoy several Community-Based Instruction (CBI) lunch outings, each one offering valuable real-world learning and social experiences! They visited three local favorites: Outback, Offerdahl’s Off-The-Grill, and Mitch’s Westside Bagels, giving students a variety of dining settings to explore. Before each trip, the class reviewed the restaurant’s menu and practiced budgeting skills by calculating tax and tip while staying within their $25 limit. At each restaurant, students engaged in conversations with peers and staff, placed their own orders, and enjoyed a delicious meal!
Exploring STEM Futures at Broward College
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had an exciting opportunity to spend the day at Broward College exploring the ACCESS (Accelerating College Completion by Engaging Students in STEM) Project, a Title III Grant initiative. This project supports both the academic and workforce needs of students and regional employers by enhancing completion and transfer rates in Information Technology (IT) programs.
During their visit, students engaged in hands-on STEM experiences, including coding, robotics, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and interactive mobile classrooms. A highlight of the day was touring the Broward College Aviation, where students explored aircraft hangars and got an up-close look at airplane and helicopter engines. This immersive experience gave students valuable insight into the wide range of post-secondary pathways available to them in STEM and IT fields. 
It’s Movie Time!
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had a fantastic time on their Community-Based Instruction (CBI) field trip to the local movie theater to enjoy the movie Stranger World. Since each student is given a gift card as part of our HDS Grant to use during their weekly CBIs,...
“Tis the Season to Give”
This past week, both of our Cypress Bay HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. programs celebrated the holiday season at Chili's Bar & Grill, enjoying friendship and a delicious lunch. They all ordered burgers, chicken nuggets, chicken fajitas, and more. But the one thing they all...
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Bowl for the Lucky Strike
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students headed out for fun with their peers to practice their bowling skills; their motto was "Be bold and go for the strike!" When students arrived at the bowling alley, they first had to find their correct bowling shoe size and then change...
Our Chairman and President featured this week in Voyage MIA Magazine’s “Shout Out Miami” series
We were featured this week in Voyage MIA Magazine's “Shout Out Miami” series. Thank you to Voyage MIA for showcasing how our programs are preparing young people with Autism and related abilities to succeed. Read more at http://bit.ly/3HiSQTV.
Giving Is Better Than Receiving!
Today the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students headed on a shopping trip to Walmart to purchase holiday gifts for their siblings. This Community Based Instruction is designed to help students practice their budgeting skills as students are given a specific budget. One of the...
Ice Cream Sundae Challenge!
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class participated in an Ice Cream Sundae Challenge for their Community Based Instruction activity this week. The day before the event, students were put in teams of 3-4. They had to work together to decide what flavor ice cream and 3 toppings...
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students take on the “Secret Elf”
This holiday season, the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students took on the "Secret Elf" title for the morning as they headed out to Walmart to do some holiday shopping for their friends! The mission was: to stay under $25 (including tax) and purchase the items that were listed...
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Carry Out Acts of Kindness
Today's Community Based Instruction (CBI) trip for the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students was fantastic. The goal of this CBI was to purchase gifts for the senior citizens receiving care at the Daniel D. Cantor Senior Center as well as the children who would be spending the...
A heartfelt THANK YOU for your support on Give Miami Day.
A heartfelt THANK YOU for your support on Give Miami Day. Your generosity allows us to expand our programs at the local high schools and make a difference in the lives of students with autism spectrum disorder in gaining life skills in their journey to post-secondary...
Help us to thank our amazing Team at HDS Companies
Help us to thank our amazing Team at HDS Companies for their support through our Give Miami Day Kick-Off, Game Day, and Pep Rally. Let’s go, Team HDS! Remember your gifts to HDS Foundation during this philanthropic event makes a greater impact on all of our students....