HDS Foundation, Inc.

Budgeting | Resources | Independent Functioning | Development | Growth | Empowerment | Social Skills

In Miami-Dade County, our HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program supports the development of public high school-based social and community life skills activities designed to meet the needs of this niche population. Our HDS Program Managers lend their expertise and work hands-on with administrators, teachers, students, and parents taking part in our program to:

• Host Career Fairs and Community Based Instruction experiences.
• Incorporate a wide variety of community based-field trips to local businesses poised to provide potential future employment.
• Enhance life skills development initiatives such as establishing bank accounts, shopping opportunities, and learning about transportation options.
• Provide social skills opportunities during the school year that allow for the inclusion of these students in typical high school activities such as Homecoming, Football Games, Prom, and others.
• Connecting parents and families with resources in Policy & Advocacy, Community and Family Resources, Post-Secondary Education, Social, Health & Wellness, Summer Programs, and Transitional and Vocational Resources.
• Our "For your Toolbox" webpage provides checklists, guides, tips and other relevant material regarding transition, graduation, IEP meetings, employment, self-advocacy, guardianship, and beyond.

These are conduits to building better communication tools, peer mentoring, fostering friendships, and preparation for the post-secondary transition. Our programs make a difference in the personal growth, independence, and success of the students we serve!

Please consider supporting our mission; 100% of your donation through Give Miami Day will fund direct services. All HDS Foundation administrative costs are absorbed by the HDS Companies.