HDS Foundation Champions Inclusion with Camp Boxes for Every Camper
We are proud to once again sponsor The Friendship Journey, Camp Wings of Friendship custom camp boxes for every camper! This virtual summer camp brings together teens and adults with disabilities for a week filled with connection, creativity, and fun, and we’re thrilled to support a program that celebrates inclusion and builds lasting friendships. We’re honored to play a part in making this experience possible and are grateful to partner with The Friendship Journey to help create unforgettable summer memories.
Celebrating the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Broward County Class of 2025
We are so proud of our Broward County B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Seniors. Watching each of you grow, overcome challenges, and reach this important milestone has been an incredible journey. Your hard work, resilience, and dedication have inspired us every step of the way. Graduation marks not just the end of a chapter, but the beginning of so many new opportunities. Whether you’re continuing your education, entering the workforce, or exploring new paths, know that we believe in you and we’re cheering you on. We can’t wait to see all that you’ll achieve.
Congratulations, Class of 2025!
Congratulations to the Miami-Dade B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Graduating Class of 2025
We are so proud of our Miami-Dade County B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Seniors as they celebrate this incredible milestone! This year, you’ve shown determination, growth, and a true commitment to your future. Your accomplishments reflect your hard work and the strength you’ve built along the way. As you graduate and take the next step, trust in all you’ve learned and the potential within you.
Congratulations, Class of 2025! We can’t wait to see all that you will achieve!
Learning Beyond the Classroom in the Nation’s Oldest City!
As part of our HDS College Mentors program, students from University of North Florida THRIVE took a trip to St. Augustine in celebration of Autism Awareness Month! Students explored the historic Old Town Trolley on a sensory-friendly tour designed to support diverse needs, with clear descriptions at each stop to help prepare for the experience. This hands-on adventure also included practicing key life skills, from using cash to purchase lunch, to calculating tips and managing a budget. A favorite moment was exploring the Old Jail, where students learned about the rich history of St. Augustine and even stepped inside the historic jail cells! It was a fun and educational day filled with discovery, growth, and plenty of smiles.
A Year to Remember and a Future to Celebrate!
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...
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Broward Host Career Day with Special Guest Rixys Alfonso, CEO of CauseMo Marketing
As students in the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Broward Program prepare for their high school graduation, Program facilitators Ms. Kathy Gorman-Gard and Ms. Donna Mansolillo have invited special guest speakers in various careers to share their career journeys with the...
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...