CBHS BRIDGES at HDS
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students from the Bay made their way to Housing Development Services, Inc. in Weston for their weekly Community Based Instruction trip. This visit gave students and teachers the opportunity to learn more about the different options students can take as they transition from high school to their post-secondary journey.
HDS’ CEO, Cristina Miranda Gilson, welcomed students as they walked in via Skype on the TV. She gave the class background information about our Toolbox for Success and what is needed in their own toolbox as they begin their transitional journey.
After Cristina spoke with the class, HDS Foundation members Liz Falk and Meagan Bouscher introduced our special guests, Mr. Anthony Jacquette and Ms. Donnet Golaub. Mr. Jacquette is a Graphic Designer while Ms. Golaub is the Coordinator of the Access Plus Program at Nova Southeastern University. Both speakers spoke about their career paths, what their job entailed, and gave some advice to the students. Students showed great interests to both our guests, asking many questions about their jobs.
Ms. Golaub emphasized how important it was for the students to do simple tasks independently as they prepare to transition out of high school. For example, picking out their clothes, doing their homework, basic hygiene etc. HDS Senior Vice President of Services, Paloma Miranda chimed in asking the students if they set their alarm before going to bed, if they fixed their own breakfast in the morning, and if they did chores around the house. Students proudly raised their hands showing that they do indeed complete these tasks independently.
After the guest presentations, the students enjoyed a yummy lunch from Publix along with dessert. This CBI was an eye opener for B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students as they learned a lot about the process in preparation for their next step whether that is college life, job market, etc. As a bonus, students were able to incorporate their resource, independence, and social skills at this event! HDS loves having the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class visit our office! 😊
Homestead BRIDGES Discover Their Inner Artists
Before heading back to school, students were able to enjoy burgers and shakes from Shake Shack. We look forward to having events like this one in the future because this allows students to explore different interest and hobbies together. Stay tuned for our next adventure!
Cypress BRIDGES Class Become Artists for the Day
Robyn Fisher, the owner of A Painting Fiesta, guided the students each step of the way through directions and visual representation of the steps to paint an owl on a branch. She taught the students how to hold the brush correctly, what color they needed to dip the brush in, what primary colors were and how to get the certain colors by mixing them. The students did a fantastic job listening and following the directions!
Even though everyone was painting the same artwork, it was fascinating to see each student add their own personal creativity to their piece. One of the students, Matt, learned that even if you make a mistake, it could easily be fixed without having to start completely over.
This CBI was meant for students to practice their development, independence and social skills while also giving them time to relax and let loose. Students were all pleased with their artwork and what they were able to accomplish. They were all excited to go home and hang their paintings in their bedroom. The HDS Foundation, along with Ms. Kathy and Donna, are so PROUD of each and every student, and can’t wait to see what they all accomplish throughout the years!
Can You Find the Clues?
The Cypress Bay B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class set out on a quest to Peace Mound Park in Weston where students enjoyed a beautiful day outside working together on a scavenger hunt.
The class was divided into teams and were given a clipboard, a pencil, and fourteen questions about the Tequesta Indians. The goal was to find the answers to these questions around the park. For example, some of the questions included: “what was the name of the Tequesta Chief?” and “until what year did the Tequesta Indians live at this site?” and so forth. This hunt was great for the students to practice their development, independence and social skills all together. Once time was up, facilitator Donna Mansolillo went over the answers to each question.
By this time, the students had worked up an appetite and were ready to enjoy some lunch. It was an eventful and educational morning to say the least! Stay tuned for our next CBI adventure.
HDS Companies Celebrates International Women’s Day
HDS Companies and the HDS Foundation celebrates International Women’s Day highlighting all the achievements our women have accomplished.
“We should celebrate the strength, diversity, kindness, courage, work ethic and diversity of women every day, not just on March 8th. Perhaps we can carry the millions of incredible representations shared on this day throughout the year and commit to being the best version of ourselves,” says Cristina Miranda Gilson, international woman, owner and founder of HDS Companies, and CEO of the HDS Foundation (A 502(c) 3).
57% of our employees are females. Each play a major role in our success through corporate management, leadership, technical, client support, and administrative roles.
HDS Companies is an equal opportunity employer. In other words, we are a 100% women minority owned corporation in the State of Florida. For the 16th consecutive year, the HDS Companies have been recognized and certified to be the State of Florida Woman & Minority Business and a National Women’s Business Enterprise by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.
Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them! Happy International Women’s Day!!!
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