On the day of the high school graduation, Laura Orsland’s anxiety for her son, Tay, reached its peak. As he twirled and showed off his new cap and gown, pride overwhelmed her. Yet, beneath that pride, a gnawing fear of what his future held rose within her. Since she enrolled Tay in kindergarten, the structured school environment has provided him with a sense of routine and built-in friendships. However, as soon as Tay switched his tassel to the opposite side and received his diploma, this safety net would be severed. The question of what happened next haunted Laura.
This concern led her to establish The HIVE in 2017. What started in a small classroom borrowed from The Housing Authority, with four members, gained momentum, and the group moved to a different facility before finally settling into their current location in 2020. They have now served over 550 individuals and their families.
“At The HIVE, our mission is to empower individuals with intellectual development disabilities to pursue self-directed and fulfilling lives. We strive to provide the necessary support for making informed decisions, fostering relationships, and engaging fully in the community. Our vision is a welcoming environment where everyone can live, work, and have access to opportunities as esteemed members of society,” said Grace Hagan, the director of programs.
For Hagan, the mission of The HIVE hits close to home. When her brother was younger, he was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, but in recent years, genetic tests have revealed that his learning differences are due to a genetic condition called 8p23 deletion.
“Growing up with a disabled brother has influenced me to work in this field. I’ve seen the trials and triumphs that affect those with disabilities and their families. With limited resources and funding, too many individuals get left behind in a system that is overrun. Everyone longs to engage with others and contribute to society, and so I work to help those find that for themselves.”
At The HIVE, staff tailor a wide range of services and programs to meet each participant’s unique needs. These include educational activities, vocational training, recreational opportunities, and life skills development. This personalized approach ensures that each individual receives the attention and care they need to thrive in their own lives. Community involvement is at the heart of their programs, fostering a deeper sense of belonging for participants and their families.
“Feeling valued is an essential, yet often overlooked, component in one’s success in life, work, and independent living. Being informed is another, and the work we do extends beyond just directly working with our members, but also their families, therapists, and support professionals so that everyone who needs wrap-around support is receiving it,” said Hagan.
Parents and caregivers consistently share how The HIVE has been a lifeline for their families. One such story is that of Valerie, who couldn’t make her own lunch when she first started attending. She also struggled to hold a part-time job and lived in a neglectful and unsafe environment. Today, after engaging in the programs for a couple of years, Valerie makes her own meals, works a part-time job, and lives in a safer environment.
Before moving to Bowling Green, Paige felt isolated in her journey as a caregiver. At The HIVE, her son, Brian, developed friendships, which improved his overall well-being and helped him develop social skills. Paige discovered a community of other caregivers who understood her day-to-day struggles. Now, she feels supported, heard, and guided, which makes both of their lives richer.
The Hive operates in harmony with Medicaid services that members already receive from other agencies. By not billing Medicaid or insurance companies, staff spend their time focusing on the members and not filing paperwork. Therefore, community support is vital to the continuation of their services and makes tax dollars work more effectively.
“If you don’t have a friend who is neurodiverse or who has an intellectual disability, you are missing out on a multi-dimensional, complex, unique, and wonderful human being who will enrich your life in ways you wouldn’t imagine. Connect with someone. You will be glad you did,” said Hagan.
The HIVE is a source of hope and support, and its positive impact on individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families is undeniable. Together, we can ensure that every individual, like Tay, has the opportunity to lead a fulfilling and enriched life.
