Empowering Our Students with Financial Literacy

Empowering Our Students with Financial Literacy

Special thanks to Karena Bland, Manager, and Daniel Guerrero, Senior Banker at Bank of America, for visiting our Miami-Dade HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program! They shared valuable insights on banking topics including loans, credit cards, and how to manage checking and savings accounts. Our students were engaged and asked great questions. What a great learning experience on money management! We appreciate your time and dedication to helping our students build financial literacy and prepare for their future.
Happy Teacher/Mentor Appreciation Week! 

Happy Teacher/Mentor Appreciation Week! 

We’re sending a huge THANK YOU to our incredible HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. and HDS College teachers and mentors this week, who go above and beyond every single day. Their dedication, patience, and passion help shape meaningful futures for our students both in and out of the classroom. From teaching valuable life skills to guiding students through career goals and personal growth, their impact is truly unmatched. Your support and encouragement play a vital role in the success of our program, and we’re so grateful to have you on this journey with us. Here’s to all the educators and mentors helping our students bridge the gap to independence and success!
 
Broward Sheriff’s Office Family Autism Day

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

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

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!

Making a Difference, One Student at a Time

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,...

Celebrating Jesus’ Path to Employment

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

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...

A Day of Friendship, Inclusion, and Inspiration

A Day of Friendship, Inclusion, and Inspiration

  Kate Gilson, HDS Foundation Educator & Program Facilitator, and Board Member, recently took part in the Best Buddies Friendship Walk and what an unforgettable day it was! Following the walk, Kate was invited to an exclusive afternoon reception hosted by...

On the Road to Independence

On the Road to Independence

Huge congratulations to Zacharia on getting his learner’s permit!  This is such an exciting milestone, and we’re so proud of you for taking this big step toward independence. Wishing you safe and happy driving adventures ahead!

An Unforgettable Night of Inclusion & Hockey

An Unforgettable Night of Inclusion & Hockey

  Special thanks to The Friendship Journey & Samantha Novick, for inviting us to Autism Acceptance Night with the Florida Panthers! It was an unforgettable evening filled with hockey, community, and inclusion. We’re so grateful for the opportunity to be part...

HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Athletes Shine at Special Olympics

HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Athletes Shine at Special Olympics

What an incredible day supporting our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students as they participated in the Special Olympics at their school. Our students gave it their all in the relay race, hurdles, and long jump and they absolutely crushed it! Their determination, spirit, and...

HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Seniors Take on Grad Bash!

HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Seniors Take on Grad Bash!

This past weekend, our Miami-Dade HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had the opportunity to celebrate Grad Bash 2025 at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, an exclusive, after-hours event designed just for graduating high school seniors! With support from our HDS...