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!
A Day of Celebration, Unity, and Acceptance
Special thanks to the amazing HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. teachers at our Miami-Dade High School for hosting such a fantastic event in celebration of Autism Acceptance Month! Our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students and their classmates enjoyed a day filled with sweet treats donated by Miami Dade Fire Rescue & Hispanic American Firefighters Association, hands-on CPR training, fun with temporary tattoos, visits from friendly service dogs, and a high-energy performance by the school band and cheerleaders!
It was a beautiful day full of inclusion, friendship, and fun, a perfect reminder of the power of community.

37TH Annual Main Street Festival of Lights
37TH Annual Main Street Festival of Lights, Brought to you by The Graham Companies and the Main Street Merchants “Benefiting Neighbors 4 Neighbors and Giving Gators” Miami, Florida – The 37th Annual Main Street Festival of Lights, brought to you by The...
Two of our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students, Miguel and Kate, have thrived in their post-secondary journey!
When you support our Foundation through Give Miami Day, your donations will fund our programs and initiatives that help Teens and Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum achieve meaningful and independent lives. Please consider pledging your support at...
Congratulations Dr. Rowe Tara Rowe on this distinction
Congratulations Dr. Rowe Tara Rowe on this distinction. Your commitment and leadership has provided our community with great mentorship! Thank you for your passion!
HDS Foundation Highlights Students’ Post-Secondary Achievements
Miguel Sanchez and Kate Gilson-Miranda, former participants of the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. program at Cypress Bay High School, understand the importance of developing social skills that will help them throughout their lifetime. Both students completed their High School...
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month HDS Companies shows their support by wearing pink every Friday. We would like to let all those going thru this challenging time that, you are all braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and...
Official Bank Account Owners!
This past weekend was definitely a busy one for our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students. On Saturday morning, the students visited Bank of America with their parents as part of our Community Based Instruction (CBI) to open their first bank account. Funds from our Foundation’s...
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Tara Rowe, Founder, and Director of UNF THRIVE
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Tara Rowe, Founder, and Director of UNF THRIVE, on being named an honoree of the NBC First Coast News 12 Who Care Award, which recognizes local residents who make a difference in the lives of others. Cristina Miranda, our Chairman...
Homecoming Week
Students in our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. program participated in various activities during Homecoming Week. The students deserve so much praise for participating in Tacky Tourist, PJ Day, Favorite Sports Team, Color Wars, and Homecoming. Homecoming was attended by every...
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Support the Local Harvest Drive
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students went to Publix to purchase items for the local Harvest Drive. The class was split up into 4 teams. Each team had to purchase six items from a list that was provided by the Student Council Club. Prior to going to Publix, students...
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program Expands to Hialeah Miami Lakes Senior High School!
HDS Foundation had a chance to meet the students who were chosen to participate in the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class this year. We are so excited to begin our program at Hialeah Miami Lakes Senior High School and look forward to the significant progress the students will...