HDS Companies Annual Holiday Drive

 

The damage from Hurricane Ian, which devastated Florida’s west coast more than a month ago, is still being felt in the region. Following the devastation, the HDS Companies partnered with Children’s Home Society to spread holiday cheer to families affected by the storm. We want to thank all of the HDS Team Members who joined our efforts and contributed by donating toys, gifts, and gift cards for the families!

It’s Movie Time!

It’s Movie Time!

The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had a fantastic time on their Community-Based Instruction (CBI) field trip to the local movie theater to enjoy the movie Stranger World.  Since each student is given a gift card as part of our HDS Grant to use during their weekly CBIs, they all headed first to the concession stand. All the students were able to practice their budgeting abilities by ordering snacks and paying for them with their gift card. 

When they entered the theater, they were all reminded of the skills they had worked on in class and how crucial it was to keep in mind to sit quietly, refrain from using their cellphones, and know how to get an adult’s attention if they needed to use the restroom without disturbing other people who were watching the film. 

After the movie, all the students cleaned up their area and headed back to the bus. They all shared what a wonderful day they had together! 

“Tis the Season to Give”

This past week, both of our Cypress Bay HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. programs celebrated the holiday season at Chili’s Bar & Grill, enjoying friendship and a delicious lunch.  They all ordered burgers, chicken nuggets, chicken fajitas, and more. But the one thing they all enjoyed the most was the delicious Chili’s desserts; the molten lava cake was definitely their favorite. After their meal, students exchanged the gifts that they had purchased at Walmart during their budgeting CBI. Students were so thankful for the gift baskets that we had given them, including a gift certificate to purchase something for themselves. Everyone left with smiles and looking forward to their holiday break!

 

HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Bowl for the Lucky Strike

HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Bowl for the Lucky Strike

The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students headed out for fun with their peers to practice their bowling skills; their motto was “Be bold and go for the strike!” When students arrived at the bowling alley, they first had to find their correct bowling shoe size and then change into them.  Once shoes were on, students headed to their lane, chose their right bowling ball size, and joined their team members. 

Students received a brief tutorial on how to bowl; they learned to hold the ball and, most importantly, show good sportsmanship toward their teammates.  Each student did a fantastic job trying to strike as many pins as possible. When Melanie was ready to take her turn, she surprised herself and made a strike! Everyone was so proud of her! 

In addition to having lots of fun, bowling required students to practice sharing and treating their teammates with kindness and respect. Stay tuned to the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class next Community Based Instruction fieldtrip, as they head to see the new movie, Strange World.  

B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Class Says Good-bye For the Summer

B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Class Says Good-bye For the Summer

Yesterday was a day filled with lots of “good-byes” and “air hugs” as the Cypress Bay B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students met at Library Park for their final CBI trip of the school year. Students enjoyed a brief social gathering while wearing masks and following social distancing...

B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Virtual Class Comes to an End

B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Virtual Class Comes to an End

Last Thursday, students from Cypress Bay B.R.I.D.G.E.S. program participated in their LAST online class of the 2020 school year. However, this ZOOM meeting wasn't like the others. It was a very special one where the facilitators presented a recap of the B.R.I.D.G.E.S....

Highlighting Students in the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program

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As we continue to share student stories and testimonials throughout the next few weeks, we hope everyone enjoys learning all about the fascinating young adults in the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S Social Personal Skills Program. We are very proud of our students and their efforts...

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DMF Block Party Recap

Each year at HDS Companies, we recognize April as National Autism Awareness Month by supporting the Autism Community throughout the State of Florida. This year during the month we supported several very worthy causes and initiatives by the Miami-Dade County Mayor and...