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ABOUT CO-HIVE
Belong, Grow, and Get Ahead
Who we are, why we exist, and the difference we're making, one Co-Hiver at a time.
OUR PURPOSE
Because everyone deserves to belong.
We started Co-Hive so young adults with disability could build real careers, real friendships, and real independence.
What we believe
Young adults with disability deserve the same shot at a good life as anyone else. A real job. Genuine friendships. The confidence to live independently. Not as a stretch goal, but as the expectation.
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We believe independence shouldn't be the exception for this cohort. It should be the expectation.
The Missing Middle
There's a group of young adults with disability the system has never quite known what to do with. At school, they're grouped in with everyone else, no distinction made by how much support they need. The moment school ends, that changes.
Too capable for high-support services, not quite ready for mainstream jobs or study without help. This group doesn't fit either box.
We call them the missing middle. And they're why Co-Hive exists. No one should be left behind, unsupported.
The Ripple Effect
When one person gains a job, a friendship, or a new skill, it doesn't stop there. Families get some of their own lives back. Employers gain committed team members. Communities become a little more inclusive.
"I think they’ve really turned me into something I’ve always wanted to become. Just because you have a disability doesn’t mean you can’t be anything in life. You have to put your mind, hard work, and resilience into it. That’s what everyone at Co-Hive has taught me. Whether participant or facilitator, I’ve learnt so much. I keep learning every day."
OUR CO-HIVERS
At Co-Hive, finishing a program, getting a job, or starting study doesn't mean stepping away. There are always other programs and events to keep you connected, because life should stay holistic, not split into stages.
Once a Co-Hiver, always a Co-Hiver.
We restore hope to what was once impossible.
Co-Hive gave me routine, purpose, and real friendships.
For a long time my life felt quite isolated — lost and unsure about my future. Within a few weeks at Co-Hive I noticed real changes: more confidence, more motivation, a stronger sense of direction.
Tristan, participant
Our Founder Story
Founder Kim Moddel had spent almost 20 years in the public school system, watching young people with disability finish school with real potential, just not quite enough support to carry it into mainstream jobs and study.
So in February 2024, she opened Co-Hive's doors with three colleagues and 23 Co-Hivers. No outside investors, just a model built to close the gap.
Where we are at now
150+ participants every week. 13+ programs. Three focus areas. And we're just getting started.
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OUR CO-HIVERS
Co-Hivers show up. They try things that scare them a little. They cheer each other on. That's really the whole definition, everything else is just details.
17-35 years old with mild disability or neurodivergence
Able to attend with standard group support
Motivated to build independence
Has at least one clear goal: work, study, independence, advocacy, social connections
How we measure success
Outcomes across three areas: employment, independence, and wellbeing.
Aligned to a national strategy
Australia's Disability Strategy 2021–2031 set out to close these same gaps. Co-Hive was built to deliver on it, and the results show it's working.
Our outcomes
We track our outcomes every semester. No cherry-picking, no one-off wins, just the full picture of what happens when someone gets the right support at the right time.
We build from the data, and keep adjusting to make sure Co-Hivers get exactly the support they need.
92%
+12 months employed in award-wage open employment
89%
TAFE completion rate for Co-Hivers
87%
increased independence in the home and community
82%
improved mental health since joining Co-Hive
Co-Hivers go on to live employed, connected and independent lives.
Their success is our success.
OUR TEAM
Co-Hive wouldn't exist without our amazing team who show up every day. They bring a wide mix of backgrounds, united by one belief: these young people deserve more than the system has ever offered them. That belief doesn't stop with participants. We bring the same heart to how we care for our own team.
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SUPPORT OUR MISSION
Co-Hive Foundation
Co-Hive Foundation is a registered charity and Co-Hive's sister organisation, created to strengthen and grow the impact we're building together.
The NDIS was never built to fully fund young people like ours, and this year the cuts have gotten worse. Some families have lost up to 60% of their funding, or all of it. Right now, 42 young people are waiting for a place at Co-Hive, not because we can't help them, but because they can't afford to come.
Through scholarships, donations, and corporate partnerships, the Foundation makes sure funding is never the reason someone misses out.
