News about the declining bee population has made global headlines over the past 15-plus years and it is causing concern around the world. In some regions of the world, as much as 90% of the bee population has disappeared. Bees are considered to be the 'great pollinators' of the earth and their existence has a direct cause and effect on our food supply. Simply put, without bees, crops will fail and there won't be enough food to feed the masses. All of us at Josh's Hope believe that this is a vital issue concerning mankind and we are doing our small part to create a positive impact in our local community, helping to save our bees while supporting young adults with mental health conditions, and we could use your help.
About five years ago, our staff was introduced to John McDonald, a local beekeeper with many years experience, who began volunteering his time teaching beekeeping to Josh's Hope program participants. We are deeply grateful to John and his wife, Diane, for the many hours they donate each month to instruct clients and provide maintenance care for our Josh's Hope Apiary. The program, hive population, and honey production have grown because of them. And so have our program participants. Every client who works in the apiary reports feelings of contentment and happiness, which has increased their self-confidence and generated a sense of pride. That's quite an accomplishment for a population that has experienced many years of feeling isolated, stigmatized, and unsure.
As a non-profit organization, the work at Josh's Hope is largely supported by grants, fundraising events, product sales, and donors like you. Monies raised helps us provide vocational training, emotional support, and life skills instruction to young adults ages 18-35, who live with a diagnosed mental illness or substance disorder. In addition to beekeeping our participants learn woodworking, welding, plasma cutting, poultry care, gardening, lawn maintenance, basic computer skills, and independent life skills. Sales of honey produced by the bees in the Josh's Hope Apiary help support the sustainability of our organization and provide a small income to our on-the-job trainees. We hope that you will join our efforts to save the bees while also continuing to build our training opportunities at Josh's Hope and improving outcomes for the population we serve.
Each person who donates at least $25 to our 'Bee the Hope' campaign will receive a bee lapel pin to wear on your shirt collar, hat, or decorate a bag, etc., to show your support. Donors giving $100-plus will also receive a packet of hand-packaged NC Honey Bee Wildflower Mix to plant in their garden or along the roadside, which provides a food source for local bees. Everyone who donates $250 or more will additionally receive a commemorative garden flag (stake included) to place in their yard, showing their support and bringing awareness to the needs of bees.
Will you join our efforts in supporting local bees and the work at Josh's Hope?
