Who is my Secret Elf?….was the question the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had been thinking about for the past week! After the Community Based Instruction (CBI) to Walmart where students purchased gifts for their Secret Elf, they had to keep it a secret until the day of the holiday party.

This year, the students enjoyed lunch and dessert at Chili’s. Each student had to order their own food and pay for lunch and dessert with the debit card. Prior to their visit, each student learned how to get into their online account to find out how much money they had left in their account. This would allow them to know what their budget was for lunch and dessert.

After everyone finished dessert, gifts were handed out. Students had fun finding out who their Secret Elf was and the special gifts they had received. HDS Foundation also prepared a special gift for each student for the holidays. Everyone left with smiles and a handful of goodies.

We wish all our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students, teachers and parents a wonderful holiday season. We are looking forward to seeing all the great things the students learn in 2022!

What a great morning we were able to share with the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class!  Today they headed out on their Community Based Instruction (CBI) to the Showbiz Movie Theater in Homestead to see the newly released movie “El Canto”.  

The students were so excited to be able to enjoy this outing with their friends. Before heading into the theater, students lined up to get popcorn, soda, fruit snack and a hotdog! To make things even better, the students had a private showing of the movie and could sit anywhere they wanted in the comfy reclining seats! 

After the movie was over, students commented on how much they enjoyed the movie! We are so proud of the students as they continue to work on their Independence, Development, Growth, Empowerment and Social Skills in the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. program! 

McDonald’s Golden Arches is what the students in the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class were looking for when they went out on their first Community Based Instruction (CBI) for this school year. They were so excited to order their food using their McDonald’s Gift Card and enjoy lunch with their friends. 

Facilitators Karla Lama and Courtney Henry worked with the students on what they could order from the menu and how to place the order once they got to the counter. They discussed the different types of hamburgers, sandwiches, chicken, sides and combo meals and the prices for the different options. Each student chose what they wanted and practiced ordering before heading to McDonalds for their CBI. 

Once they arrived at McDonalds, students took turns ordering their own food. Some of them ordered hamburgers, chicken, milkshakes, etc. but the one thing that they all didn’t pass up were the delicious McDonald fries! All the students did a great job ordering their own food. This was a first-time experience for many of them! 

After lunch was ordered, the students sat together and had a great time socializing with one another. Conversation about Disney, Star Wars, Thanksgiving and Christmas Break were some of the topics that were discussed. We are so proud of the students, as the practiced  their Resources, Independence, Development, Growth, Empowerment and Social Skills during the CBI to McDonalds!

“Tis the Season for Shopping” was the theme for the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. classes this past week in preparation for their holiday Secret Elf Gift Exchange. Students headed to Walmart for their Community Based Instruction (CBI) to find the perfect gift for their friends.

Students were first given a budget of what they could spend on their secret elf. Next students identified what items they would like from their secret elf. Facilitators also spent time practicing adding items and tax to make sure they stayed within their budget.

The fun began when they went on their CBI to Walmart and started their shopping. Students had to decide what items to purchase for their friends and stay on budget. They had to find their way  to the toys, books, electronics and even the food section of Walmart! Finally, all the students found what they wanted to buy for their secret elf and were ready to check out!

At the register, each student used their Walmart Gift Card and stayed within their budget! We are so proud of our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students as they continue to practice their budgeting skills! Stay tuned to the next CBI, when they reveal who their secret elf is at their holiday party!