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 largest, most connected, purpose-driven beekeeping network in the world while measurably improving lives, communities, and pollinator health.

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

Comprehensive programs designed to support and empower our Heroes.

Education

Providing knowledge and skills for Heroes to thrive in in bees and life.

Community

Building strong connections and support networks for our Heroes.

Peer Mentorship

Connecting Heroes with experienced beekeepers for guidance and support.

Partnerships

Collaborating with organizations to expand our reach and impact.

Advocacy

Standing up for the rights and needs of our Heroes and natural resources.

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 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

  • NewBEE

    Heroes with 0-3 years of experience. Connected to education, community, and resources through the BeeXchange platform.

  • Mentor | Leader

    3+ years of experience. Inspires learning, fosters growth, and mentors the next wave ofNewBEEs locally or digitally.

  • Fellow

    The first professional career path of its kind in beekeeping. Fellows receive stipends, gear, and professional training.
Ready to Join? Start Here

Our Core Values - The principles we live and lead by. 

  • Connection

    Healing begins when people are seen, heard, and valued. Additionally, connecting to nature, eachother, an ourself is vital to turn isolation into belonging.

  • Purpose

    Often times, finding purpose is difficult. At Hives for Heroes, Heroes rediscover their why through beekeeping, mentorship, and a mission that never stops.

  • Relationships

    We stand shoulder to shoulder sharing struggles and victories, because healing does not happen alone. Healthy and accountable, we are in this together.

  • 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.
Join the Movement

IN THE NEWS: recognized across the country. 

ABC Video Interview

ABC Australia – The Healing Power of Beekeeping

Texas Country Reporter

National Honey Board - Celebrating Beekeeping

Localish

The Stream Team “Makers” Pop-On!

ABC Pennsylvania – Funny Farm Apiaries

Frontliners TV Interview

Action News Now

Kindness Champions

Texan By Nature 2022 Conservation Wrangler

Bee Culture | The Magazine of American Beekeeping

Military.com

Texas Monthly

Epoch Times

U.S. Veterans Magazine

Backyard Beekeeping June/July 2022

Bee-long Together - Texas A&M

Wreaths Across America Radio

The Contrary Beekeepers Show

Hippie Chicken Apiary Episode 3

From Military to Millionaire

Bulletproof Veteran Podcast

Owl Have You Know

Stream Team Beekeeping Chat

Mann Lake: Honey Bee Expo

Premier Bee Products Recap

Ste. Genevieve Herald 2nd Annual Honey Fest

The Hive Jive Podcast – 064

The Hive Jive Podcast – 094

Healing Veterans Through Beekeeping

Galena Farms

Around HTown - Hives For Heroes

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

State Leaders

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.

Sponsor a HeroJoin the Hive