Nestled in a shopping center in the heart of Willard is a relatively new coffee and sandwich shop that offers customers and the community something special.
Upon walking in to the eclectic and warm space at The Hive, customers are likely to notice the inviting smell of coffee and freshly-made scones, as well as the glorious plants (all for sale) coloring the canvas of this welcoming business. But there is one special ingredient that sets it apart from other local businesses: Staff who work at The Hive are differently abled folks who work part-time, part of an effort to enhance their responsibility level, job and social skill and to pave the way toward independent living.
Melissa Skaggs, the woman behind The Hive, is a former teacher and middle school counselor who retired from public education after 32 years of service. After getting her start as a substitute teacher in Springfield Public Schools, Skaggs later began teaching Family and Consumer Science (formerly Home Economics) in Republic. The seed of her current business was planted during her years there — having no access to paraprofessionals at that time, she spent many hours working on Individual Education Plan paperwork for children with special needs, or as she prefers, those with differing abilities.