Inspiring Stories: Hives for Heroes

Hives for Heroes is a national military veteran non-profit organization focusing on honey bee conservation, suicide prevention, and a healthy transition from service. Through the national network of beekeepers and veterans we provide purpose, education, and healthy relationships fostering a lifelong hobby in beekeeping.

NewBEE veterans and Mentors enjoy the therapeutic process of beekeeping and build healthy relationships in communities across America. Beekeeping is unique, allowing a beekeeper to suit up, overcome fear, accomplish a goal through process oriented techniques, and walk away with a sense of accomplishment. This practice can easily translate to their personal and professional lives when dealing with PTS and other traumas from service.

After military service, many veterans often fall in to depression, unhealthy relationships and addictive behaviors which leads to feeling alone, isolated, or become suicidal. A veteran mentor in Houston struggled in all of these areas, turned to alcohol to cope, then attempted to take his life in 2017. With a newfound outlook on life, the passion to serve others and connect with other veterans going through similar situations is the motivation for his involvement. 

A female newBEE veteran in Pennsylvania joined Hives for Heroes because of her love for bees and the conservation/ environmental impact. She was matched with a local area mentor through the county beekeeping organization. Both happened to be from the same branch of service! 

Hives for Heroes wants to connect people. By bettering the lives of individuals there is a positive impact on their community and ultimately the world. Through honeybee conservation, there is a common goal for NewBEEs, Mentors, and Volunteers to work towards. 

Both NewBEE veterans and Mentors can apply online at www.hivesforheroes.com/the-hive

Hives for Heroes is expanding rapidly nationwide and is constantly searching for accomplished beekeeping mentors who have at least 3 years of experience and are able to train veterans.

Check us out @hivesforheroes on social media and use our hashtags #saveBEESsaveVETS #BEEaHero

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