Hospital Donates Van to Non-Profit that Helps Young Adults with Disabilities

NORMAN – Norman Regional Health System donated a van to a local non-profit so the young adults it serves can better access needed support.

The non-profit, SunHive Collective, is located in Norman. Its mission is to create a safe and inviting space for young adults with disabilities to grow in their daily living, social and transitional skills. SunHive offers a daily educational program, field trips and promotes inclusiveness.

"Transportation is often the biggest barrier to inclusion, and this donated van completely tears down that barrier,” said Melissa Collyar, co-founder and executive director of Sunhive Collective. “This generous donation will help get our members out into the community safely, and fulfill our core mission every single day."

SunHive Collective has about 30 members and 15 people on its staff. They are excited to use the van to bring members to community places such as the Norman Farmer’s Market, where they are selling plants, Collyar said.

Norman Regional previously used the van to transport patients for a senior counseling program but no longer needed a vehicle of that size. The health system wanted to give back to the community it serves.

“Norman Regional is proud that we were able to help remove a barrier for people in our community,” said Norman Regional President and CEO Aaron L. Boyd, MD. “Our mission is to provide personalized care with compassion and excellence and that care extends beyond our hospital walls. We’re excited for this van to help a new generation of people get to the services they need.”