Day 1 Reflections from the Florida Coalition to End Homelessness Conference
Reflections from the Florida Coalition to End Homelessness Conference
Day 1 was an inspiring journey of learning and advocacy!
Plenary with Dr. Rajni Shankar-Brown: Amidst the challenges of poverty, homelessness, and rising injustices, we were reminded that healing and joy are essential to sustaining progress in housing justice.
Sessions that stood out:
➡ Adultism Disrupted: Empowering youth as true collaborators to challenge biases and build equity.
➡ From Integration to Inclusion: Moving beyond the table to truly support youth with lived homelessness experiences.
➡ Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program: Lessons from Central Florida’s transformative 6-year journey.
➡ Vulnerability and Exploitation: Insights into the intersections of homelessness, violence, and trafficking among youth.
Key Takeaways:
Self-care is vital. Share your story. Advocate. Respect every voice. Change the energy in the room. Keep going. Together, we can create housing solutions that are inclusive, equitable, and transformative.
39th Annual Main Street Festival of Lights
Join us for a night of lights and community at the 39th Annual Main Street Festival of Lights on November 23rd! Stop by our tent to learn more about the HDS Foundation and our work supporting teens and young adults with Autism. We can’t wait to share our mission with you and celebrate together! See you there!
Join us as we celebrate our 16th anniversary!
Join us as we celebrate our 16th anniversary!
HDS Foundation has been a source of empowerment, creating opportunities and fostering growth within the Autism Community. It’s been an incredible journey filled with memories, growth, and all of YOU who make this community so special. We’re beyond grateful for your support every step of the way. Here’s to many more amazing years together!
Community Champion Award recipient
Thank you, @thefriendshipjourneyfl for this incredible honor! We are deeply grateful to be recognized as your Community Champion Award recipient. This recognition strengthens our commitment to empowering teens and young adults on the Autism Spectrum and fostering a supportive, inclusive community.
Unity Day
“Unity to be real must stand the severest strain without breaking.” Mahatma Gandhi
Mac n Cheese in a Mug!
Mac n Cheese, an all-time American favorite meal! The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had a chance this past week to participate in a 2-part activity making Mac n Cheese. In preparation for this Community Based Instruction (CBI) students had several steps to complete before...
Peace Mound Park
After the holiday break, the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class participated in a Team Building Community Based Instruction (CBI) at Peace Mound Park, a burial ground for the ancient tribes of the Tequesta Indians. The activity was designed as a Scavenger Hunt to bring the teams...
Mentorship Month
January is a time to recognize the great mentors who have made a difference in the lives of others. The HDS Foundation recognizes eight of our programs dedicated and respected mentors that make a positive impact each day with their students. As one of the pillars of...
Holiday Party
Who is my Secret Elf?....was the question the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had been thinking about for the past week! After the Community Based Instruction (CBI) to Walmart where students purchased gifts for their Secret Elf, they had to keep it a secret until the day of...
It’s Movie Time!
What a great morning we were able to share with the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class! Today they headed out on their Community Based Instruction (CBI) to the Showbiz Movie Theater in Homestead to see the newly released movie “El Canto”. The students were so excited to be able...
I’m Lovin It!
McDonald’s Golden Arches is what the students in the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class were looking for when they went out on their first Community Based Instruction (CBI) for this school year. They were so excited to order their food using their McDonald’s Gift Card and enjoy...
Secret Elf
“Tis the Season for Shopping” was the theme for the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. classes this past week in preparation for their holiday Secret Elf Gift Exchange. Students headed to Walmart for their Community Based Instruction (CBI) to find the perfect gift for their friends....
Friends, Food, and Fun at the Park!
Our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students enjoyed a beautiful day at the park enjoying a day filled with friends, food, and fun! This was the first Community Based Instruction (CBI) for our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students and they had a great time! Students enjoyed playing soccer,...
Team Building at Regional Park
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students enjoyed a beautiful day at the park, working on team building skills. This year, facilitators Donna Mansolillo and Kathy Gorman Gard have focused several of the Community Based Instruction (CBIs) on getting the students outside and...
Ice Cream Sundae Challenge
Vanilla, chocolate or strawberry were the decisions the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had to make for their Community Based Instruction (CBI) at Publix. Students were given the challenge to decide in their individual groups what ingredients they'd want for their ice cream...