In the heart of Rock County, Wisconsin, there exists a haven for Black women impacted by Rock County Human Services called the BeeHive. This is not your typical support group or advisory board; the BeeHive is a sisterhood, a village, a safe space where Black women can come together to share their stories, support one another, and find strength in their shared experiences. It’s also an opportunity to sit at the decision-making table to improve family outcomes.
The BeeHive was born out of a co-design initiative between Rock County Human Services, Alia, and the community of Beloit. While Black folks make up 7% of the Rock County population, they represent 22% of all CPS cases. This project, known as Rock Families First, aims to create new conditions that would repair harm associated with this disproportionality and pave a new way forward that prioritizes keeping Black children (and consequentially all children) together safely with their families. The work happens through what Alia calls Ethical, Equitable Co-design (or 2E Co-design). By engaging those closest to the problem, we find ourselves even closer to the solution.
In the case of Rock County, those closest to the solution are Black women in the community with lived experience with CPS. The BeeHive would create a space where these women could feel heard and valued and have a say in the design of services that affect their families’ and communities’ lives.
One Black woman was and continues to be the driving force behind the BeeHive. LaMikka James, Associate Director of Community Engagement at Alia, joined Rock Families First and started to build the hive in a process unlike any other in child welfare. Recruitment wasn't about checklists or qualifications but a shared yearning for connection and growth. LaMikka envisioned a space where Black women felt instantly welcomed and valued. So, they did away with formal applications and rigid criteria. Instead, they invited women to share their stories – their triumphs, struggles, and hopes for the future.
“I allowed them the space to tell me their story. I never wanted Rock County to create the narrative; I wanted them [BeeHive applicants] to share what they wanted, how they wanted, and when they wanted. But I also wanted them to have the opportunity to get it off their chest because there was some anger. I told them ‘Thank you for sharing your story. You never have to tell it again. And now… can you help me do the work? With what you told me, can you do this?’ I interviewed 17 individuals. Thirteen of them have stayed with us the entire time,” says James.
These conversations, intimate and heartfelt, are the roots of the BeeHive. Through these shared narratives, a sisterhood blossomed. This unique approach ensured that the BeeHive remained a sanctuary created by and for the women it served, fostering a profound sense of belonging from the very first encounter.
From the outset, the BeeHive was a success. The women of the BeeHive (which LaMikka affectionately refers to as “queens”) found a sense of belonging and connection that they had never experienced before. All queen bees have their own hives that they lead, and this is the concept behind the namesake. The members of the BeeHive bring their knowledge and skills back to their own hives, and community awareness and knowledge grows. The synergy between the community, the BeeHive, and the system is invaluable in this way.
The BeeHive participated in a Design Sprint (among other work) with Rock County Human Services and Alia (read more about that experience) during phase one of Rock Families First. During this phase, a significant amount of time went into building a foundation of trust between the BeeHive and Rock County Human Services.
“Before [Rock Families First] there was no trust. If you had done a survey with the Black community [in Beloit], they had no desire to be in community with CPS. Now, after trust and relationship building, people are calling and asking to be part of this movement. Now you have these families willing to speak out and wanting to help make the system better. Why would they want to expose themselves to this trauma? Because they want to change things for the next generation.”
Community-led solutions were built and a vision for the future of child welfare was developed. Read about their co-designed solutions in the Idea Book: A New Future for Beloit Families.
The BeeHive has continued to grow and thrive since its inception. Rock County Human Services leadership and staff strengthen their relationship with the BeeHive daily to enact the solutions collectively envisioned in the Idea Book. These women are the heart of the work because they are living it. They will continue to be a critical component of building a new way in Rock County, WI, where all children can live safely with their own families and the community can thrive.
"The BeeHive is a testament to the power of Black women coming together," James says. "It is a place where we can heal, grow, and support one another. It is a place where we can find our voices and make a difference in the world.”
But it’s more than just a safe haven. It is a shining example of the transformative power of community co-design. By making space for the voices of impacted parents in the decision-making process, Rock County Human Services has created a program that is truly responsive to the needs of the community. This approach has not only changed the lives of the women who participate in the BeeHive, but it has also had a ripple effect throughout the entire community. Since Rock Families First started, there has been a 73% reduction in youth living in out-of-home care and a 34% reduction in the use of residential care.
“We [impacted parents] are involved because it is personal for us and we want to see the change. Who knows how to take better care of my family than me? Nobody. Now let me tell you what I need so my family can stay together."
When families are empowered to shape the services that impact their lives, everyone benefits. Children flourish, families grow stronger, and communities become more resilient. The BeeHive is a powerful reminder that 2E Co-design is not just a good idea, it is an essential tool for creating a more just and equitable world.