With school in full swing, anxiety and stress are becoming a little more commonplace in many of our lives. Some of us may be wondering how to blow off stress, maybe even looking for a community that supports mental health, or a place to get some guidance and further our hobbies. The Hive in Boise is a perfect place for this. The Hive is a music community center that caters to kids struggling with mental health, particularly people who suffer with depression and suicidal ideation. The Hive offers a variety of resources, from recording centers to open mic nights, all of which range from free to 15 dollars.
The Hive prides itself on being sober, all ages and safe. The rooms are a light cream color, with orange accent walls that exude warmth. Racks of instruments dock in the corners, and comfortable chairs offer pleasant refuge. In the corner a minimalist wooden stage is set up, an invite to any burgeoning performer. The Hive was founded by Jason Ringelstetter and a board of directors in 2014, and is still helmed by him today. Anne Padilla is the Wellness lead; she has a masters in social work, and helps supervise and assist those who visit the Hive. She has worked with all ages to improve mental health and has experience on the Idaho Suicide Hotline. The Hive partners people in need with licensed mental health counselors, and has a partnership with BSU to have social work interns available for attendees.
The Hive also offers a variety of shows, workshops, and programs outlined in their calendar. These are all free, and range from shows like the GI Jam, where veterans perform, to Live at the Hive, an open mic for musicians ranging from beginner to Jimi Hendrix. They also have a music library with books on Music Theory to Pink Floyd available for checkout. If you are less interested in music, they also offer a drop in group called Sober Curious, for those interested in sobriety. In 2020 the Hive moved to expand their mental health program, creating funds for musicians, and receiving a federal grant that they funneled into their military veterans outreach program.
The Hive is a fantastic resource for anyone, musician or not, sober or addicted, depressed to anxious; it indicates the support that the music community has for people who are struggling, and its programs are available to absolutely anyone. Check out the Hive when you have some time, find or join a new band, and get the resources you need to make your day a bit easier. Help is always out there, and the Hive makes it much easier to find.
Photo Credit: The Hive
The Bishop Kelly Newspaper 