Fitness Fun with Our Miami Dade Students!
This week our amazing Miami Dade students had the opportunity to visit Caution Crossfit for an unforgettable workout experience! They jumped, lifted, and stretched their way through a fantastic session, all while learning the importance of staying active and healthy.
January is Mentoring Month!
Mentors play a vital role in shaping our future by offering guidance, encouragement, and support when we need it most. Whether it’s helping us navigate a challenge, inspiring us to reach our goals, or just being there to listen, mentors make a lasting impact.
This month, we celebrate those who give their time, knowledge, and heart to lift others up. Let’s take a moment to thank the mentors who have shaped our lives and celebrate the power of mentorship in creating brighter futures for all.
A Night to Remember at the Friendship Journey Gala!
A Night to Remember at the Friendship Journey Gala!
The HDS Foundation had an incredible evening celebrating friendship and community at the Friendship Journey Gala. We are beyond honored to have received the Community Champion Award, recognizing our dedication to fostering inclusion and opportunities for all.
The excitement didn’t stop there—our very own board member, Kate Gilson-Miranda, won the Theatre Lovers Raffle Basket, adding even more joy to the night!
From heartfelt moments to fun surprises, it was truly a night filled with connection, celebration, and laughter. A good time was had by all, and we are already looking forward to the next one!
POV: Ringing in the Holiday Season
What an incredible time we had at the Miami Lakes Festival of the Lights! From the dazzling lights to the festive music and holiday cheer, it was truly a magical night.
A huge thank you to the Graham Company for organizing such an amazing event and bringing the community together in such a special way. Your dedication makes this season brighter for everyone!
We also want to send a heartfelt thank you to all the amazing people who stopped by our table! Your support means the world to us, and we’re so excited to see how you’ll help spread the word about our foundation and the work we’re doing. Together, we can make a real impact.
Here’s to more community, connection, and holiday spirit!
Florida Coalition Homelessness Conference Highlights! Day 3
Florida Coalition Homelessness Conference Highlights!
Today, I had the privilege of attending two incredible sessions at the Florida Conference on Ending Homelessness, each filled with powerful insights and calls to action.
The Criminalization of Homelessness
This plenary session shed light on the troubling rise in criminalization efforts across the nation, exploring the implications of a recent Supreme Court decision and the surge in violence against unhoused individuals. Data was shared to emphasize the gravity of the issue, and the speakers offered evidence-based solutions as alternatives to criminalization. Key takeaways included the importance of compassion-driven practices and the urgent need to move beyond punitive measures.
Let’s Talk Change: Youth Leading the Conversation on Homelessness
From 11:10 AM to 12:10 PM, I joined a transformative town hall where young leaders with lived experiences of homelessness took the stage. Members of the Youth Action Board (YAB) led an open, honest discussion about breaking free from short-term solutions and driving real, sustainable change. Their courage and vision were truly inspiring, reminding us why youth leadership is crucial to advocacy and change.
Key Lessons from Today’s Sessions:
• You have the power
• Listen to what they need
• We all need to come together
• Involve lived experience youth and young adults in leadership
• Purpose and passion matter
• Be a voice and speak for the cause
• Be radical and intentional
• Share your story—this is who we are
These sessions ignited my determination to keep advocating for real, impactful solutions to end homelessness. Together, through intentionality, passion, and listening to those with lived experience, we can create lasting change.
Learning How to Use an ATM Machine
A.T.M.s are located all over the community to make banking easier for everyone. This week, the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had the opportunity to learn how to use an A.T.M. at the local Bank of America branch. As part of the HDS Foundation B.R.I.D.G.E.S. grant, students...
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...