Who We Are
A national movement built one Hero at a time.
Founded in 2018 with one hive in Houston, Hives for Heroes is now the most connected, purpose-driven beekeeping network in the world. Connected through the BeeXchange Platform we measurably improve lives, communities, and pollinator health throughout our local communities.
2025 NAPPC Pollinator Advocate of the Year
"Based in Houston, Texas, Hives for Heroes is a national nonprofit dedicated to pollinator conservation and purpose-driven healing for Veterans and First Responders. Founded in 2018 by a U.S. Marine who found recovery through beekeeping, the organization has grown to include 9,900 members across all 50 states and 3,400 cities. Its mentorship-based model pairs Veterans and First Responders, known as “NewBEES,” with experienced beekeepers to restore ecosystems and foster connection. Through hands-on learning and community support, Hives for Heroes promotes ecosystem health and personal healing, proving that tending bees can also nurture people." - Pollinator Partnership
Mission and Vision
Hives for Heroes® is a national nonprofit. service organization dedicated to sustainability, conservation, and providing a healthy transition from service for our nation’s Heroes.
We work to restore purpose, reduce suicide, and transform lives by reconnecting Heroes to the land, to each other, and to meaningful work.
Recognized. Trusted. Verified.
2026 Most Transformative Veteran Healing Program
2025 North American Pollinator Advocate of the Year
The Hives for Heroes Way
Six Pillars for Proven Success
Programming
Education
Community
Peer Mentorship
Partnerships
Advocacy
Why We Exist
The transition from service is often the hardest battle.
When the uniform comes off, the questions begin. Who am I now? Where do I belong? What is my purpose? For too many Veterans and First Responders, those questions lead to isolation, depression, and a profound loss of identity.
At Hives for Heroes we believe healing requires action, community, and connection. The hive offers something extraordinary: calm in the middle of chaos, focus in the face of stress, and a renewed sense of belonging. Through our peer-to-peer mentorship model, Heroes and experienced beekeepers walk together, rebuilding confidence, restoring purpose, and creating belonging that lasts.
"Service never ends. It simply takes new form."
Our Model
Community and growth that lasts a lifetime.
At the heart of Hives for Heroes is one idea: healing happens in community. Every Hero who joins our network, through BX, begins as a NewBEE and receives access to education, resources, and a community built specifically for Veterans and First Responders.
Over time NewBEEs become leaders. As confidence grows, they begin sharing with the next Hero through the door, passing on wisdom and hard-won peace. Every connection made and every hive managed creates a ripple effect that strengthens families, communities, and the environment.
Membership Path - A Transformational Journey
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NewBEE
Heroes with 0-3 years of experience. Connected to education, community, and resources through the BeeXchange platform.
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Mentor | Leader
3+ years of experience. Inspires learning, fosters growth, and mentors the next wave of NewBEEs locally or digitally.
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Fellow
The first professional career path of its kind in beekeeping. Fellows receive stipends, gear, and professional training.
Our Core Values - The principles we live and lead by.
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Connection
Healing begins when people are seen, heard, and valued. Additionally, connecting to nature, eachother, an ourself is vital to turn isolation into belonging.
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Purpose
Often times, finding purpose is difficult. At Hives for Heroes, Heroes rediscover their why through beekeeping, mentorship, and a mission that never stops.
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Relationships
We stand shoulder to shoulder sharing struggles and victories, because healing does not happen alone. Healthy and accountable, we are in this together.
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Service
Heroes do not stop serving when the uniform comes off. Through mentorship and community, service simply finds a new form. Our motto: Serve Others Well.
IN THE NEWS: recognized across the country.
Leadership
Our team of experienced leaders work with heart and discipline on behalf of our nation’s Heroes to provide a unique community through beekeeping. We operate out of a deep sense of service, focused on building relationships throughout the globe, to make the world a better place.
Below are our Headquarters Team, who are joined by Hives for Heroes leaders in all 50 states.
Headquarters
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Executive Assistant
Calissa Jimenez
Patriot | Marine Daughter
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Connections
Charles McMaster
US Army Retired
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Events and Resources
Craig Midgett
Patriot | Hero Supporter
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Social Media
Kate Ray
US Army Spouse
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Products
Kevin Freiburger
US Marines Retired
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VP Strategy & Impact
Patriot | Hero Supporter
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Vendor Relations
Norway | Hero Supporter
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President & Founder
Steve Jimenez
US Marines
Email
Ready to be a part of this?
Every Hero in this network exists because someone believed the mission was worth funding. Your gift today supports the next Hero who needs exactly what Steve found in 2018, purpose, calm, and a community that understands.