Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Hive an adult day care?
No. Our Clubhouse program is designed to offer experiences with particular attention to the needs of people with disabilities, but that are enriching and fun for anyone with or without a disability. Our small staff creatively develops, organizes, and leads our activities, but we are not staffed to provide personal care or supervision.
Is the Hive a disability service?
Yes! The Hive, Inc. is an organization created to serve people with disabilities and their families in any way we can, and our Clubhouse is the hub of all of those services.
No. Our Clubhouse is a community enrichment center where members may utilize their own support services to enjoy time with us.
Do you take Medicaid or private insurance?
What is the Hive? What do you do?
The Hive Clubhouse is what we are most known for, likely because it is the hub from where all other services are extended. It's true, our Clubhouse Program provides a lot! However, we definitely do more than that. *Our small staff is engaged in state level advocacy and policymaking. *We are resource providers for families throughout our region and will do our best to help them navigate and understand their services *Our founder is also a founding member of the PossAbilities Expo, an event that has been duplicated throughout KY and TN *We mentor interns in a variety of disciplines from WKU and SKYCTC, as well as provide practical experience for WKU nursing students and are a host site for WKU Best Buddies *Provide workshops and a support system for families and caregivers *Network with members of our community to create more opportunities for people with disabilities and their families *Support the physical and emotional health of our members, including seeking appropriate practitioners *We are in perpetual pursuit of new programs and supports that will benefit our VIP's, and we will never stop!
Why is it called the Hive? Do you have bees?
We love bees, but no! HIVE is an acronym for the official name of our organization: Habilitation, Information, Vocation, and Education, Incorporated. These are the top four things our founder discovered most people felt were missing for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities after the age of 21. In other words; experiencing activities of daily living, information on resources and services in the area, experiencing vocational skills and making employment connections, and continuing education and growth in whatever way is meaningful to that person. The name HIVE also conjures images of community, a hub of activity, working together…it just seemed perfect.
Does it cost anything to come to the Hive?
Yes. We have a $25 monthly fee. However, families may choose to pay above that minimum every month to aid our sustainability (which we are so grateful for!)
Can I use my own Waiver supports while at the Hive?
Yes! We encourage it! Many of our members use their Waiver services during their time at the Clubhouse. Our Clubhouse is a great environment for many supports such as Community Living Supports, Personal Assistance, Behavior Supports, Person Centered Coaching, and others. Community Access is the only service that Medicaid would question. We personally met with the folks at DDID to ensure these services were billable at our Clubhouse.
Who is eligible to become a member?
Most anyone! Our only eligibility criteria is that you enjoy your time with us, benefit from being a part of our Clubhouse, and agree to our rules and expectations. Members with a disability and/or autism diagnosis are automatic VIP’s because they are our top priority.
I don’t need personal care, so do I have to have someone accompany me?
The short answer is yes. We do make a few exceptions to this rule, but everyone must have someone accompany them to start.
Do I have to stay all day or can I just come for a little while?
Our Clubhouse is here for you to use in the way that suits you best. All are free to come and stay the whole day, or come for just the time that works for them as long as they are their own guardian or are accompanied by their mentor. However, members who have a guardian but are not accompanied by a mentor must stay on the property until their ride arrives to pick them up.
Does the Hive provide lunch?
No. Lunch is on your own every day unless specified on our calendar for a cooking class or an event where food will be provided.
What ages do you serve?
We serve teens and adults. The majority of our members are in their 20’s and 30’s, but the youngest we have had is 14 and the oldest around 70 (a very active 70!)
When are you open?
Currently our Clubhouse is open and active Monday through Wednesday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm with the addition of Thursday coming soon. Top Crops harvests on Friday and runs a booth at Community Farmers Market on Saturday mornings. Our staff is available by phone or appointment Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
What do I get out of a VIP Hive Membership?
*Up to 2 days weekly of all the supplies, games, and space of our Clubhouse including the experiences we provide *Opportunities to explore art, science, self-advocacy, volunteerism and service projects, gardening with Top Crops, teamwork, activities of daily living, caring for your health in mind and body, safety, and more *Pool parties, cookouts, birthday parties, and other fun Hive events *Monthly Hive After Hours at the Clubhouse for hanging with friends, watching movies, playing games, etc *The opportunity to learn how to operate a vending machine business *WKU Best Buddies connections *Access to any exclusive deals we are able to find. For example, we offered CPR/First-Aid certifications for 70% discount *Guidance, support, and understanding from our staff and usually also from our other members and their families *A community like no other. So many lifelong relationships have been made inside our Hive, not just for our members but for parents, guardians, siblings, and direct support professionals. It really is the coolest thing ever!
What is the application process?
*Give us a call or send an email to schedule a time to come in and see the Clubhouse and chat with our staff. *After checking us out and letting us answer your questions you can choose to request our application forms. *Once we have received all the information we will decide what day or days you would like to attend. You will then start your 8 week trial period. This trial period allows you and the Hive to determine whether or not our programs are a good fit for your needs. *Should we decide there are more appropriate options for you we will reconvene at the end of the trial to refer you to other resources.
How often can I attend?
We stand pretty strongly on a maximum of two days per week. It is very important to us that coming to the Hive is a choice, time that you look forward to. We want everyone to have other important things going on in their lives. If you need help planning things to do for the remainder of your week, we will be happy to help you do that!
I don’t have a disability but enjoy being helpful and love being in a diverse crowd. Can I be a member? A volunteer?
Absolutely! Members who are here to help in any way they can, to offer guidance to those who need it, and to only use supplies to help a VIP member will be exempt from the $25 fee (but of course we love the donation if you prefer to pay your membership.) Your time with us may be considered volunteer hours as long as you are not paid for your time with us. Just contact us if you are interested.
Do you accept volunteers?
Absolutely! Email us at office@thehivebg.org to let us know you are interested in volunteering and in what way you would like to help. WKU students and volunteers who have been invited to lead a class/activity usually won’t need to fill out our volunteer form and can simply schedule the times they want to come. All other volunteers will be sent the volunteer application and background check.
Does the Hive accept in-kind donations?
We accept in-kind donations on an as-needed basis. Please contact our office if you have items you would like to donate to our programs.
How is the Hive funded?
The Hive is funded entirely through private and corporate donations, fundraisers, and small grants. We are always exploring new funding sources so we can not only sustain our current programs, but grow into serving even more people in a broader area.
How can I make a donation to support the Hive?
Donations are the lifeblood of everything we do! Click SHOW MORE below to learn about ways you can invest in the Hive’s mission. All donations are tax deductible. The Hive, Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit organization, federal tax identification number 47-4628505.