Happenings & Stories
HDS Companies Wraps Autism Awareness Month
As Autism Awareness Month comes to a close, we continue to shine a light on individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the possibilities that they create through their differing abilities. Throughout the month, HDS Foundation has shared community resources,...
Toolbox for Success
Cristina Miranda Gilson is the Founder and CEO of HDS Companies. A passionate Philanthropist, Cristina has been an active supporter of numerous charitable initiatives throughout her life. Inspired through her journey raising her daughters, she has been an avid...
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges. Although people with ASD don't look physically different, they may communicate, interact,...
Wings in Weston
The Cypress Bay High School B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class took their weekly community-based instruction trip to Wings in Weston where they were able to practice their budgeting, independence and social skills. Students were seated, and as they looked over the menu, they were...
CBHS BRIDGES at HDS
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students from the Bay made their way to Housing Development Services, Inc. in Weston for their weekly Community Based Instruction trip. This visit gave students and teachers the opportunity to learn more about the different options students can take...
Can You Find the Clues?
The Cypress Bay B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class set out on a quest to Peace Mound Park in Weston where students enjoyed a beautiful day outside working together on a scavenger hunt. The class was divided into teams and were given a clipboard, a pencil, and fourteen questions...
Cypress Bay B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Visit Lucille’s American Cafe
Last week, the Cypress Bay High School B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class took a trip to Lucille’s American Café for their educational CBI. The students were able to enjoy a delicious lunch together, while also practicing their day to day skills of budgeting, independence and...
You Had Me at Pizza
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. Visit the Post Office
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...
A New World of Challenges and Opportunities Lies Ahead for Autistic Youths Transitioning to Adulthood
In 2018, HDS Companies (HDS) spearheaded an autism-focused employment initiative, ASDY-Tech (Autism Spectrum Disorder Youth-Tech). Inspired by our CEO, Cristina Miranda Gilson, who has an autistic daughter, the program focuses on work abilities, team-building...
Press Release COVID 19 New EIP Guidance Statement
New Guidance about COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Beneficiaries from Social Security Commissioner Andrew Saul “The Treasury Department launched a new web tool allowing quick registration for Economic Impact...
HDS Companies Shines a Light on Autism
April is World Autism Awareness Month! World Autism Awareness Month was initially implemented in 2007 by the United Nations to help educate society about Autism and how this global health issue is rising over time. Each year, the HDS Companies joins thousands of...
Cypress Bay BRIDGES Tours the Y
Let’s get physical, physical! The Cypress Bay High School B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program toured the Weston YMCA for their CBI trip in order to familiarize themselves with different physical activity options. First, the class was taken to the weight room to explore the...
Homestead BRIDGES Discover Their Inner Artists
As Autism Awareness Month is approaching, the Homestead Senior Highschool B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program has been exploring their creative side. They visited Painting with a Twist in The Falls for one of their Community Based Instruction trips. Students, Teachers, HDS...
Cypress Bay BRIDGES Eats More Chikin
Chik-Fil-A nuggs and fries? Need I say more?! The Cypress Bay High School B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class headed out on their Community Based Instruction trip to Chik-Fil-A in Weston. Like many other CBI trips, students arrived, looked over the delicious menu, and decided what...
Super Fest – Big Game Weekend
Super Fest – an inclusive football and cheerleading clinic along with a gameday experience held the day before the Super Bowl. This event gives children the opportunity to feel a part of the football weekend. With that being said, give your child the chance to...
CBHS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. First CBI of the Year!
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....
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. GRANT
The HDS Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) Non-Profit Organization founded to provide mentoring services and opportunities to teens and young adults who have Autism-related disabilities—launched in 2008 by Founder and Chairman, Cristina Gilson-Miranda, the organization funds...
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Goes Virtual
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Class from Cypress Bay has gone virtual! Facilitators Kathy Gorman-Gard and Donna Mansolillo have been holding their Life Skills class digitally via Zoom. Although the learning style has changed and students will have to adapt, the class will...
To Our Valued Agency Clients
During this difficult time for so many, we are reaching out to you and your staff to convey that the HDS Companies (HDS Software and eHousingPlus) successfully transitioned to a Complete Remote Operation BCDR Plan. Through the hard work of many on the HDS Management...
Stop, Drop and Roll
The three words children and teens learn in case of a fire are: Stop, Drop and Roll. But not many know what occurs at a fire station, the firefighter’s role, or the training that goes into becoming one. With that being said, the Cypress Bay B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program took...
Cypress BRIDGES Class Become Artists for the Day
Looking for a one of a kind and creative experience to enjoy with your friends? Painting Fiesta is the place to go. The Cypress Bay B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class went on their weekly CBI trip to A Painting Fiesta Art Studio in Weston where they had the opportunity to feel like...
HDS Foundation Supports Teens in Transition
On Tuesday night, the HDS Foundation took our “Toolbox for Success” to Cypress Bay High School for the ESE Post-Secondary Transition Expo. This expo was geared specifically towards ESE students who are not pursuing a traditional 2- or 4-year college program upon...
HDS Foundation Will Be Presenting at the Cypress Bay High School ESE Post-Secondary Transition Expo
The HDS Foundation will be presenting at the Cypress Bay High School ESE Post-Secondary Transition Expo on Tuesday, February 11, 2020. This informational night is geared for ESE students who are not pursuing a traditional 2- or 4-year college program upon graduation....
CBHS BRIDGES Spreads Christmas Cheer
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...