According to Bee Happy Day Hab’s Program Manager Melissa Madsen,
“Helping a man named Richie get to church was the catalyst for Bee Happy Day Hab.
“Richie, in his early 30s, contacted a local church looking for someone to help him. He lived independently, though his intellectual developmental disability prevented him from being able to work or drive, leaving him essentially homebound.
“Shelley Brookins volunteered to pick up Richie and bring him to church with her family. That encounter, which Brookins attributes divine orchestration, opened her eyes to the unmet needs of adults like Richie living in Kaufman County.
“’Richie yearned to be part of the community and take part in social activities,’ said Brookins. ‘He wasn’t able to afford a state-supported day program, or the means to get there, had there been a program anywhere nearby.’
“Brookins added, ‘Richie had been isolated for so long that he was lonely, anxious, and depressed. He had no hope.’
“Trying to find help for Richie, Brookins began searching for resources and services. She quickly discovered long waiting lists of 15-plus years for government-supported programs, and a lack of private facilities offering affordable day services.
“’It was heartbreaking to learn that Richie and others like him were being left out of our community, particularly in Kaufman County, the fastest-growing county in Texas,’ explained Brookins.
“Through Richie, God planted a seed within Brookins that led to the creation of Bee Happy Day Hab. The faith-based non-profit facility opened its doors in September of 2022, in the heart of downtown Kaufman, to assist adults with developmental disabilities reach their potential through activities that challenge and empower them.
“Bee Happy currently has an average of 25 ‘Busy Bees’ per day ranging in age from 19 to 57 attend its Tuesday-Friday day program. The needs and skill sets of each Busy Bee varies greatly, but the common denominator is that they all come together to build friendships, participate in hands-on learning activities, and serve in the community, as well as enjoy social activities like games, arts and crafts, and field trips.
“Bee Happy not only serves people with developmental disabilities, but teaches them how to serve as well. The Busy Bees participate in weekly community service projects and several of the Bees have become members of the local Lions Club.
“The Hive, which the facility is affectionately known as, is quickly growing and expanding its services. Soon Bee Happy will open the Hive Creamery, a purpose-driven ice cream shop -staffed by individuals with special needs – that will serve fresh ice cream.
“Bee Happy’s vision is to assist families with a loved one with developmental disabilities. It relies on the financial blessings of the community, churches and individuals so it can be there for people like Richie who have nowhere else to go.
“Richie has since moved away from the county, but is still a cherished friend of the Brookins family and the Busy Bees. Will you join us this North Texas Giving Day and help bring hope to adults with special needs?”
* Photo credit: Shelley Brookins ** Photo credit: Chaeli Brookins
In 15 years, Communities Foundation of Texas’ North Texas Giving Day has pumped more than $566 million into the North Texas community. In 2023, more than $63.9 million was raised through 97,000 donors benefiting 3,249 area nonprofits.
On Thursday, September 19, support Bee Happy by clicking here and spreading the word. #NorthTexasGivingDay2024