Building Bridges at the Bay

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 BRIDGES 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 BRIDGES Program goals. One or more Grants may be issued per year. For more information on the HDS BRIDGES Grant, you can access the program requirements here.

You Had Me at Pizza

by HDS Foundation | Jan 22, 2020

Pizza Pizza Pizza! Last week, the Cypress Bay High School B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class took on a three-part pizza challenge that gave students the opportunity to practice their budgeting, independence, development and social skills. The first part of the challenge took...

CBHS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. First CBI of the Year!

by HDS Foundation | Jan 10, 2020

The new year has started for the Cypress Bay B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class! Yesterday, the students went on their first CBI trip of the year to the Bank of America and Panera Bread where they were able to engage in their budgeting, resources, independence and social skills....

CBHS BRIDGES Spreads Christmas Cheer

by HDS Foundation | Dec 13, 2019

The season of giving is upon us! This means making others feel special by showing love and appreciation. Many get the special pleasure of spreading holiday cheer to their community by giving gifts and making wishes come true. With that being said, the Cypress Bay...

CBHS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Visit the Post Office

by HDS Foundation | Dec 6, 2019

Every Tuesdays and Thursdays, the Cypress Bay High School B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class gets together for a new learning opportunity towards independent living. On Tuesdays, the students participate in an in-class activity that prepares them for their Community Based...

What Are You Thankful For?

by HDS Foundation | Nov 27, 2019

GOBBLE GOBBLE! What are you thankful for? This week the Homestead Senior High B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Self Determination Class gathered at Olive Garden to give thanks and celebrate Thanksgiving. In lieu of the usual turkey and mashed potatoes, students opted for Italian where...