HDS Foundation has been awarded $10,000 by the Autism Services Grants Council (ASGC)
🎉 Exciting News! 🎉
We are thrilled to share that HDS Foundation has been awarded $10,000 by the Autism Services Grants Council (ASGC) for our Bridging the Gap: Empowering Students with Autism program!
The ASGC is committed to supporting programs that improve the quality of life for individuals with Autism across Florida. This year, they received 113 applications requesting nearly $1 million, and with $158,000 available, they selected 18 outstanding organizations, including HDS Foundation, to receive funding!
This grant will help us continue providing impactful programs that empower students with Autism to build independence, develop life skills, and successfully transition into post-secondary education and employment.
A huge thank you to ASGC and to everyone supporting Florida’s Support Autism Programs specialty license plate! The more we spread the word, the more services we can fund statewide!
Show your support for autism awareness with a Florida autism license plate that benefits organizations like ours in communities around Florida. Join the movement and help us reach more families in need. Get yours now: https://autismlicenseplate.com
Together, we’re making a difference!
Creating with Purpose: Students Make Their Own Candles
Last week, our students enjoyed a fun, hands-on experience when Scentsability , a nonprofit that creates artisan scented candles and provides meaningful workplace opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), visited the school to guide them in making their own candles.
Students got creative using their favorite colors of sand, carefully placed the wicks, and decorated their candles with gems and seashells. Once the wax was poured and cooled, they were excited to see and enjoy their finished creations.
The activity was a great way for students to practice independence, decision-making, and problem-solving skills, while also boosting creativity. They were thrilled to take their candles home to share with their families!
Celebrating 17 Years of Making a Difference
Our guiding motto, “Rising by Lifting Others,” is more than words, it’s the heartbeat of everything we do. Through innovative programs, community partnerships, and unwavering commitment, we’ve created opportunities for mentoring, achievement, and independent living. These milestones reflect the power of collaboration and compassion.
Our Journey of Achievements
- Mentoring for Success: Thousands of ASD youth have found guidance and encouragement through our mentorship initiatives, building confidence and life skills.
- Educational Empowerment: From scholarships to specialized programs, we’ve opened doors to learning and growth.
- Community Integration: By fostering inclusive environments, we’ve helped young adults thrive in workplaces, schools, and social settings.
- Living Independently: Our programs have supported transitions into adulthood, promoting independence and self-sufficiency.
The Impact
Every story of progress reminds us why we started. Families share how their loved ones have achieved goals once thought impossible. Communities celebrate the contributions of individuals who are now thriving. Together, we’ve built a legacy of hope and opportunity.
Looking Ahead
As we commemorate 17 years, we reaffirm our commitment to innovation and advocacy. The journey continues, and with your support, we will keep lifting others, because when one rises, we all rise.
Join us in celebrating this milestone and shaping the future. Together, we make a difference every day.
Creating, Connecting, and Celebrating Fall!
To celebrate the fall season, our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students enjoyed a fun outing to Flamingo Nursery! Students had the opportunity to paint pumpkins, take a relaxing hayride, and explore the beautiful nursery grounds. The day began with a creative pumpkin-painting session, giving students a chance to express themselves and socialize with peers. Everyone had a wonderful time celebrating the start of fall while building their social skills and personal development.
Happy Halloween
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students participated in their class annual Pumpkin Carving Contest! Students were put into groups and teamed up to design, carve, and create their very own pumpkin masterpieces with help from their Best Buddies peers. The day was filled with laughter, creativity, and teamwork! After carving, pumpkins were entered into a friendly schoolwide competition where students and staff voted for their favorites in three categories: Scariest, Most Creative & Best Overall. This festive event not only brought smiles but also helped students strengthen skills in development, growth & empowerment, and social interaction. It was a wonderful way to celebrate creativity, connection, and inclusion this Halloween!
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...
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...
Exploring STEM Futures at Broward College
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had an exciting opportunity to spend the day at Broward College exploring the ACCESS (Accelerating College Completion by Engaging Students in STEM) Project, a Title III Grant initiative. This project supports both the academic and...
HDS Mentors Making a Difference
A huge thank you to our amazing HDS Companies team members, Bridget Wong, Ashley Walker, and Delisay Baldaji for inspiring our Cypress Bay B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students during their Career Series! These incredible women shared their journeys from college to launching...
Business-Savvy and Tech-Ready
We’re so proud of Noam, a sophomore in the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. program, for reaching an exciting achievement! This year, he earned certifications in Photoshop Premiere Pro and Business Management & Entrepreneurship. Noam set a goal and followed through with focus...
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...
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...
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
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...