Building Connection, Purpose, and Healing in Dripping Springs
Fireside Chat Support Network is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting and connecting our Veterans and First Responders. Every Monday night, we gather to share a meal at 12 Fox Beer Co. in Dripping Springs, Texas — creating a space where our heroes can network, build friendships, and support one another through life’s challenges.
Through these weekly gatherings, meaningful connections are formed. Those connections matter — especially in difficult seasons. When floods and disasters struck our region, our heroes rushed into chaos, destruction, and relentless heat and insects for weeks on end. They transported essential supplies, operated chainsaw and excavator crews, and performed back-breaking work in underserved areas that organized efforts and government agencies were missing.
Why We Were Formed
Fireside Chat Support Network was formed after a highly decorated veteran in our community tragically took his own life. We cannot ignore the reality facing too many of our heroes. We must stop the carnage. Together — through connection and community — we believe we can make a difference.
Our Current Outreach Project: The Bee Therapy Haus
One of our most exciting outreach initiatives is the creation of a Bee Therapy Haus right here in Dripping Springs. While these therapeutic bee houses are found throughout Europe, only a small handful exist in North America.
Research has shown that the sound frequencies, vibration, and “bee air” created by active hives can promote relaxation and healing for individuals experiencing stress and trauma.
Programs such as Hives for Heroes have demonstrated success using similar principles, teaching beekeeping skills to Veterans and First Responders as a form of therapeutic engagement and community building. Through Fireside Chat Support Network, we are building a Hives for Heroes teaching apiary to bring this opportunity to our local heroes.
How the Bee Therapy Haus Will Work
As part of the project, we are constructing a small Bee Therapy Haus structure. The bee hives will be housed in exterior drawers that nest beneath spa benches inside the shed. While inside, participants will be able to see, hear, feel, and even smell the bees through the structure’s design — but no bees will be inside the building with people.
This design allows for the therapeutic benefits of proximity to active hives while maintaining safety and comfort.
Funding Needed — Time Sensitive
Our bees are already on order for spring. We currently have $2,000 of the $9,000 needed to order the shed exterior. Once the structure is delivered, our heroes will customize the interior to house the benches and hive drawers.
We need your help now.
👉 Click here to donate and help us complete the Bee Therapy Haus.
In total, we anticipate needing approximately $25,000 in donations to complete the entire project — including protective suits, gloves, tools, and beekeeping supplies necessary to work safely with our heroes.
We are confident that once a tangible structure is on site, momentum will build and the remaining materials and support will follow.
Partner With Us
We invite local service organizations and businesses to partner with us in bringing this meaningful and unique project to life. Sponsors will be memorialized with an engraved plaque on the building as a lasting tribute to their contribution.
We will also be sharing links to articles and YouTube videos about Hives for Heroes and similar Apitherapy structures to provide further insight into this innovative approach to healing.
Thank you so much for your consideration and support.
👉 Click here to donate and help us complete the Bee Therapy Haus.
Fireside Chat Support Network