Empowering Independence for Individuals with IDD

The HIVE is addressing systemic barriers that adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face in achieving independence, inclusion, and economic mobility. In Warren County, 13.3% of residents have a disability, many of whom face geographic isolation and limited resources. On a national scale, only 19% of individuals with IDD are employed, compared to 65% of the general population, which limits their independence and economic participation.

A significant gap exists as individuals with IDD often “age out” of educational programs, resulting in an 8-10 year delay before they can access adult state services. This gap leads to skill regression, social isolation, and a decrease in self-determination. These challenges are further exacerbated by a lack of access to life skills training, advocacy resources, and social connection opportunities.

The HIVE addresses these issues through a wide range of programs, including classes in independent living skills, social skills, arts, fitness, and self-advocacy. By equipping individuals with practical skills, building their confidence, and promoting social integration, the HIVE addresses the root causes of exclusion and isolation.

Serving around 500 adults with IDD in our region, the HIVE aims to close significant service gaps and foster a barrier-free community where individuals with IDD can flourish as valued and contributing citizens.

The HIVE provides a comprehensive, community-focused solution to help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) lead a meaningful and independent lives. Our Clubhouse model provides a safe and welcoming space where individuals can develop practical life skills, build social connections, and pursue personal development.

Through our diverse programs, participants learn vital skills such as budgeting, nutrition, personal hygiene, computer literacy, social skills, and job-related skills like workplace etiquette and effective communication. Creative classes, including arts, music, and self-advocacy, build confidence and encourage self-expression, while fitness and social activities support both physical and emotional health. The Parachute Project assists caregivers by creating a network for resource-sharing and mutual support.

Our solution focuses on personalized goal-setting and practical activities to help participants make tangible progress in their independence, job readiness, and community involvement. Although we do not rely on advanced technology, we utilize accessible tools, like adaptive learning software to meet individual needs.

By addressing significant gaps in post-education services, the HIVE facilitates the transition to adulthood for individuals with IDD. Our model is both replicable and adaptable, designed to create an inclusive community where every individual is valued and empowered to make meaningfully to society.

The HIVE serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and surrounding areas. This population often faces systemic barriers, such as limited access to education, employment opportunities, and social inclusion. In Warren County, where 13.3% of residents have a disability, individuals with IDD are particularly underserved, especially when they “age out” of educational programs. This 8–10-year gap before accessing adult state services often results in to skill regression, social isolation, and decrease in independence.

The HIVE’s solution directly addresses these challenges by offering life skills training, social connection opportunities, and advocacy support. Participants take part in programs designed to meet their needs, including budgeting, computer literacy, social skills, and employment preparation. These activities help individuals to build independence, foster relationships, and pursue meaningful contributions to their community.

By filling essential service gaps, the HIVE creates a safe and supportive environment where individuals with IDD can thrive. Participants build confidence, develop essential skills, and experience greater inclusion in their communities. Caregivers also gain access to valuable resources and support, creating a network of shared knowledge and empowerment. The HIVE’s holistic approach ensures that adults with IDD are equipped to lead fulfilling, self-determined lives.

Our team is deeply connected to the community we serve, shaped by both through personal experiences and ongoing engagement. The HIVE was founded by Laura Rigsby Orsland, a mother of a son with IDD, whose personal journey drives the organization’s mission. Laura’s role as a caregiver offers a unique and empathetic perspective, ensuring that the HIVE’s programs are designed with a thorough understanding of the challenges families face. Additionally, our Program Director is the sister of a person with IDD, bringing both educational expertise and lived experience to our team. This dual perspective strengthens our commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of members and families served at the HIVE.Our staff is equally dedicated to this commitment to creating inclusive, barrier-free environments and maintains close connections with the local community in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

We actively engage with our target population by conducting feedback surveys, having one-on-one conversations, and participatory planning sessions. For example, we frequently host focus groups with participants and their families to understand their needs and adjust our programs accordingly. Over the past year, we have engaged more than 200 adults with IDD and their caregivers, collecting invaluable insights on how our programs can be more accessible and effective.

Our solution is influenced by this direct input. For example, when we learned that there was a need for better  employment readiness programs, we developed classes specifically focused on workplace etiquette, job search skills, and communication. Furthermore, our Parachute Project, which was established to provide support for caregivers in response to requests from families seeking more resources and connection.

Our approach is focused on the community and adaptable, making sure that the HIVE’s programs are continuously aligned with the changing needs and goals of individuals with IDD. Through ongoing collaboration and responsiveness, we are dedicated to creating a significant and lasting difference in their lives.

We selected the "Growth Stage" for the HIVE because we have successfully established and implemented programs that serve adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), impacting over 500 individuals in Warren County, Kentucky. Now, we are focused on expanding our reach and strengthening our infrastructure to serve more people in surrounding areas. Our goal is to replicate and scale our program model, build partnerships for expansion, and ensure long-term sustainability. This determination is grounded in our use of the Nonprofit Lifecycles Model, which we use to assess the life stage of our programs and organization. This model provides a framework to ensure fidelity and validity in evaluating our current stage and guiding our strategic planning. We are refining our services, increasing capacity, and securing funding to support our growth, making this the right stage for our next phase of development.

https://www.thehivebg.org/

The HIVE’s solution is innovative because it combines personalized, community-based support with a wide range of life skills, employment readiness, and social integration programs tailored specifically for adults with IDD. Unlike traditional methods that often focus on just one aspect of support, the HIVE offers a comprehensive model that empowers individuals to lead fulfilling, self-determined lives. Our programs integrate life skills, employment preparation, arts education, and social support into a unified, person-centered approach. This model addresses the diverse needs of people with IDD, equipping them with the tools and confidence to engage in the community, pursue careers, and form meaningful relationships.

The HIVE stands out by not only focusing on individual skill-building but also providing support for caregivers through initiatives like the Parachute Project. This combined approach ensures that families are also empowered and equipped to navigate challenges alongside their loved ones.

Our solution has the potential to create wider positive impacts by serving as a model that other organizations  replicate to address the needs of individuals with IDD. By demonstrating that a holistic, community-focused approach can be both effective and sustainable, the HIVE could reshape the landscape of disability services. We could inspire other programs to adopt similar models, leading to greater collaboration, increased accessibility, and improved quality of life for individuals with IDD across the country. The HIVE’s approach could transform how society supports and integrates people with disabilities into the workforce and broader community life.

The HIVE’s impact goals are centered on empowering individuals with IDD to help them achieve greater independence, integrate into their communities, and achieve long-term career success. Our specific goals include:

1. Increase Employment Opportunities for Adults with IDD: We aim to increase the employment rate for adults with IDD in Warren County and surrounding areas, which currently stands at 19%, by 10% within the next three years. Our progress will be assessed  by tracking job placements, retention rates, and the number of individuals completing employment readiness training.

2. Enhance Life Skills and Social Integration: We aim to improve the life skills of participants in areas such as budgeting, nutrition, and self-advocacy. Success will be evaluated through pre- and post-assessments of skills gained, with a target of 50% of participants showing measurable improvement. Additionally, we will monitor participant engagement in social activities, aiming for at least 60% active involvement in community events.

3. Support Caregivers: We aim to provide continuous support to at least 200 caregivers annually. We will assess the success by participant satisfaction surveys and the percentage of caregivers reporting improved knowledge and confidence in managing care.

4. Expand Reach and Impact: Over the next one year, we plan to expand our services first to Allen County and then to other counties, aiming to reach 2,000 individuals with IDD. We will increase our service capacity by 50% and measure progress by tracking new program participants, geographic areas served, and partnerships formed.

By monitoring these indicators, we can ensure that we are meeting the growing demand for services, expanding our reach, and making a lasting impact in the community.

Full-time staff: 4 (Laura Rigsby Orsland, Kathy Glass, Austin Clark, Grace Hagan)

We are working on our solution since 2015. Over the last 8 years, our team has developed and refined programs to support adults with IDD. We focus on fostering independent living skills, employment readiness, social integration, and caregiver support. We have consistently expanded our reach and improved our services, creating a model that addresses both individual and community needs. Our experience and dedication have allowed us build a strong foundation for the solution, which we aim to grow and replicate in other counties, starting with Allen County.

At HIVE, we prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within our organization. Our leadership team brings a diverse experience and perspective, especially with our founder, Laura Rigsby Orsland, and program director Grace has a personal connection to the disability community, as her son has intellectual and developmental disabilities. This personal connection shapes our leadership approach, allowing us to address challenges with empathy and inclusivity. Additionally, Austin Clark, a valued team member who is without sight, serves as a powerful model for participants, demonstrating what is possible with the right support, resources, and commitment.

We are dedicated to reducing barriers to opportunity by offering flexible work options, promoting equitable hiring practices, and ensuring all team members have the resources needed to succeed. Our DEI efforts also encompass ongoing staff training to promote a culture of respect, understanding, and support for all employees.

As we move forward, we are focused to diversify our team further, particularly in areas where we currently lack representation. We aim to strengthen our recruitment strategies by engaging with underrepresented communities and offering positions that meet a range of needs, ensuring our staff is reflective of the diverse communities we serve.

By integrating DEI principles into our daily operations, we create a welcoming environment where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique strengths. This dedication improves our ability to serve individuals with IDD more effectively.

Our work is guided by  logic model that clearly defines how resources, activities, and outcomes align to achieve long-term impact for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This structured framework ensures intentionality and accountability in all programs.

The foundation of our model is the inputs, which include skilled staff, mentors, financial resources, facilities, and a robust curriculum. These resources enable us to provide a wide range of activities designed to address the needs of individuals with IDD and their families. Activities include daily self-regulation and independent living lessons, health and movement sessions, financial management training, structured social engagement, and community meetups. Parent education and referrals are also key components, ensuring families have the tools to support their loved ones.

This activities generate measurable outputs, such as consistent guidance sessions, regular community events, and ongoing mentor support. These outputs foster the short-term outcomes of improved knowledge and skills, including better communication, decision-making, and personal hygiene. Over time, these knowledge gains lead to intermediate outcomes such as increased engagement in community services, improved self-care routines, and greater independence.

Ultimately, the HIVE aims for long-term outcomes that address systemic challenges for individuals with IDD, such as reduced mental and physical health issues, increased employment opportunities, and improved overall quality of life. These outcomes reflect our commitment to creating inclusive, barrier-free communities.

Our Theory of Change focuses on providing social engagement, mentorship, and skill development opportunities empowers individuals to build meaningful relationships and contribute to their communities. By anchoring our work in this logic model, the HIVE ensures that every program is grounded in evidence and focused on achieving lasting impact.

HIVE, Inc. is committed to achieving long-term financial sustainability by employing a diverse and balanced approach to funding. We focus on a mix of grants, donations, and  service contracts, ensuring that we are not overly reliant on any single revenue stream.

Revenue Streams:

1. Grants and Donations: We actively pursue both government and private sector grants, as well as individual donations. This includes partnerships with organizations like the  local community foundations that support our mission.

2. Service Contracts: We are developing contracts with local governments and other service providers for programs that support individuals with intellectual disabilities (IDD), including life skills training, social integration programs, and job readiness services.

3. Earned Income: As we expand to new counties, we plan to introduce fee-based services for programs that offer specialized training and support for individuals with IDD and their families. This includes offering workshops, consulting services, and access to our unique program models.

4. Corporate Sponsorships and Partnerships: We are fostering relationships with businesses and corporations that align with our mission, which helps to secure both financial and in-kind support.

Evidence of Success:

• We have successfully secured grants totaling over $150,000 in 2024 alone.

• We have built a strong base of recurring individual donors, with 30% of our revenue coming from private donations.

• As we expand to Allen County, we are exploring local service contracts that will increase earned income from our specialized programs.

Our sustainable funding model is designed to evolve as we grow, ensuring we continue to serve individuals with IDD while maintaining financial health.

We are applying to the Truist Foundation Inspire Awards to secure the financial and strategic support needed to expand and sustain our programs. HIVE, Inc. faces barriers like limited financial resources for scaling, challenges in outreach, and a lack of technical infrastructure to meet the growing demand for our services. By partnering with the Truist Foundation and MIT Solve, we aim to overcome these challenges and build the capacity to serve more individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Warren County and beyond.

Working with the Truist Foundation and MIT Solve would give HIVE with essential funding, visibility, and access to a broader network of partners, funders, and experts in the field. This support will help us to refine our programs, invest in necessary infrastructure, and grow our outreach efforts to expand our impact across Allen County and eventually other regions.

The mentorship and resources provided through the Truist Foundation Inspire Awards would help us build our organizational sustainability by diversifying our revenue streams, enhancing our program model, and refining our strategic plan for expansion. In particular, the capacity-building support would be instrumental in overcoming barriers to growth, such as staff training and expanding our service contracts with local governments and businesses.

The Truist Foundation’s focus on innovative community programs aligns with our mission to empower individuals with IDD, and this partnership would allow us to make a meaningful, long-term impact in the communities we serve.