Budgeting | Resources | Independent Functioning | Development | Growth | Empowerment | Social Skills
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program supports the development of school-based social and community life skills activities designed to meet the needs of ASD High School Students. Structured in the form of a grant, the Foundation encourages High School ESE Departments to create school-based programs that provide opportunities year-round for Social, Independence, Community and Personal Development to teens who have Developmental Disabilities within this population. The recipients of the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Grant can accomplish this by incorporating various community based-field trips to local businesses who are poised to provide potential future employment, life skills development initiatives such as establishing bank accounts, shopping opportunities, learning about transportation options, and social skills opportunities during the school year that allow for the inclusion of these students to typical high school activities such as Homecoming, Football Games, Prom, and many others. These are conduits to building better communication tools, peer mentoring, fostering friendships, and preparation for life after high school, including post-secondary.
HDS BRIDGES GRANT
The HDS Foundation provides Grant Opportunities to candidate Programs that meet the criteria of the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program goals. One or more Grants may be issued per year. For more information on the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S Grant, click below.
It’s Movie Time!
by HDS Communications | Dec 16, 2022
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,...
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Bowl for the Lucky Strike
by HDS Communications | Dec 14, 2022
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...
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Carry Out Acts of Kindness
by HDS Communications | Nov 30, 2022
Today's Community Based Instruction (CBI) trip for the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students was fantastic. The goal of this CBI was to purchase gifts for the senior citizens receiving care at the Daniel D. Cantor Senior Center as well as the children who would be spending the...
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Host a Friendsgiving Luncheon
by HDS Communications | Nov 18, 2022
Today the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students hosted a Friendsgiving Luncheon with special friends from another class, staff members, and administrators. Everyone was treated to a delicious smorgasbord of their favorite traditional Thanksgiving foods cooked by a personal...
Do you want to help strengthen our community?
by HDS Communications | Oct 24, 2022
Do you want to help strengthen our community? Funds raised through Give Miami Day help support our local high school B.R.I.D.G.E.S. programs. Our programs cater to the needs of students on the Autism Spectrum by providing Social, Independence, Community, and Personal...
Two of our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students, Miguel and Kate, have thrived in their post-secondary journey!
by HDS Communications | Oct 19, 2022
When you support our Foundation through Give Miami Day, your donations will fund our programs and initiatives that help Teens and Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum achieve meaningful and independent lives. Please consider pledging your support at...
We have been chosen to participate in Give Miami Day
by HDS Communications | Oct 12, 2022
We have been chosen for the second consecutive year by The Miami Foundation to participate in Give Miami Day, an annual giving movement that brings together nonprofits of all sizes to celebrate and increase generosity in Greater Miami. Please join us on November 17th...
Official Bank Account Owners!
by HDS Communications | Oct 12, 2022
This past weekend was definitely a busy one for our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students. On Saturday morning, the students visited Bank of America with their parents as part of our Community Based Instruction (CBI) to open their first bank account. Funds from our Foundation’s...
Homecoming Week
by HDS Communications | Oct 11, 2022
Students in our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. program participated in various activities during Homecoming Week. The students deserve so much praise for participating in Tacky Tourist, PJ Day, Favorite Sports Team, Color Wars, and Homecoming. Homecoming was attended by every...
HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program Expands to Hialeah Miami Lakes Senior High School!
by HDS Communications | Sep 23, 2022
HDS Foundation had a chance to meet the students who were chosen to participate in the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class this year. We are so excited to begin our program at Hialeah Miami Lakes Senior High School and look forward to the significant progress the students will...