About The Hive
The Hive was founded by 3 widowed moms raising kids in the midst of grief. While the moms found healing and support in grief groups and widow communities, they realized there was no community for their children.
Research shows that 1 in 12 children in the United States will experience the death of a parent or sibling by the age of 18. In the CSRA, the statistics are even more grim. In Georgia, it is 1 in 10 children. For South Carolina, it is 1 in only 9 children that will grieve a parent or sibling by the age of 18 (Judi's House, 2025). Learn more at:
Meet the Team
Chief Executive Officer
Melinda Drylie
Melinda and Erik always had a heart for orphans. They fostered 13 children in their home. James 1:27 was their guiding verse to "look after orphans and widows in their distress." Melinda was 36 years old when she became a widow. Her children were 11 and 13 years old. She quickly learned that she would need a group of women that understood what she was going through. Finding a group of widows that were also raising children was the catalyst to Melinda's healing. While she struggled initially to be a part of the James 1:27 group of people that the church should serve, Melinda's life mission has expanded to minister to widows and to children that have lost a parent or sibling. Through her work with The Hive, Melinda hopes to bring healing, hope and joy to other families in the midst of their grief.
Chief Financial Officer
Kim Blanton
Kim became a military widow at the age of 25 while 3.5 months pregnant. Her husband, Pierce, had been an infantry Marine. Kim navigated the first several years of widowhood during COVID and without knowing other women walking the same journey. She found a group of local widows and several were new to walking the journey of loss. Kim quickly realized that her family had access to many more resources than civilian widows. Kim is passionate in walking the grief journey with other families navigating life in the midst of loss.
Secretary
Patricia Garza
After losing her husband, Edward, to COVID-19 in 2021, Patricia became deeply aware of the lasting impact grief has on children. At the time of his passing, their three daughters were just three, six, and nine years old, each navigating life-altering loss at a young age. With a background as a school science teacher, Patricia now works part-time as an administrative assistant, allowing her to prioritize time with her children as they continue to heal and grow. She is passionate about supporting children who have experienced the loss of a parent or sibling and understands firsthand the weight of milestones, memories, and everyday moments faced without a loved one present. Through her involvement with The Hive, Patricia hopes to help create a space where children feel seen, supported and less alone in their grief.
Our Mission
We are dedicated to providing a nurturing community for children who have lost a parent or sibling, offering them opportunities to heal and grow.
Our Vision
Our vision is to empower widowed parents and their children to build a resilient and thriving future, filled with hope and support.
At The Hive, we believe in creating a supportive environment where children grieving the loss of a parent or sibling can embrace their identity, define their future, and contribute positively to the world.