Winona ORC introduces new program

There's a buzz going around Winona, and it started when Winona ORC Executive Director David Bittner visited Midwest Special Services, a similar group located in the Twin Cities two years ago. Where they had beekeeping projects at two sites.

"Just really excited about bees. They were just fascinated with the bees. Talking about the bees non stop," said Bittner.

Fast forward to this past spring where the Winona Community Foundation opened up a grant cycle with a focus in nature.

"I thought it would be a great opportunity for our organization to apply for a beekeeping program, knowing just how exciting it was for the clients in Minneapolis," said Bittner.

And that's exactly what they did, which allowed ORC to receive $4,000.

"They got us a couple of hives ready to go," said Bittner.

Bittner says the hands on experience is valuable, but his ultimate goal is to help ORC's clients overcome their fear of bees or spark a fascination with the process.

"Maybe it's going for that job or working on a skill set that is unfamiliar to them, and how they can look back and say I overcame my fear of bees and now I'm ready to take this on," said Bittner.

Bittner says the program is already a win, especially for one patient who has become intrigued.

"To being excited to go and see the bees I think that is a huge win," said Bittner.