Removing the barriers.
Bridging the gap.

Funding young adults aged 17-35 with mild intellectual disability and autism to access the pathways and supports they need to thrive.

1 in 9 young Australians live with a mild disability.

34%

Unemployed
8x the national average

5 in 6

dependent on family & government welfare

1 in 3

suffers severe anxiety & depression

The Overlooked Cohort

Meet Matthew

When I left school, I didn't have a pathway. Autism meant I would always need to rely on my parents."

27 years old

Co-Hive has changed this.

Australia's first education-driven learning community for young adults aged 17–35 with mild disability and autism.

The results speak for themselves. Co-Hivers go on to live employed, connected and independent lives.

92%

+12 MONTHS EMPLOYED
IN AWARD-WAGE 
OPEN EMPLOYMENT

89%

TAFE COMPLETION RATE FOR 
CO-HIVERS

87%

INCREASED INDEPENDENCE IN THE HOME AND COMMUNITY

82%

IMPROVED MENTAL 
HEALTH SINCE JOINING 
CO-HIVE

“Co-Hive helped me get my first paid Job working at a robotic warehouse. I have worked here for 18 months and have recently been promoted - Ben

They fall through the gaps

NDIS cuts have left families to carry the burden.

When the funding was cut, we needed to reduce  work hours to support him. Will's days are empty, and we've seen how harmful that is for both his mental health and our family."

22 yearrs old

THE OVERLOOKED COHORT

Too capable for traditional intensive disability supports

Too vulnerable to succeed without support, pathways & funding

THE NDIS PROBLEM

NDIS plan funding for this cohort has been cut by up to 60% or removed enitrely

THE IMMEDIATE IMPACT

Without funding, impact stops.
Co-Hive cannot exist and young adults remain trapped without a pathway to thrive.

This is why we built the Co-Hive Foundation.

42

Young people waiting for funding.

Young adults, with real potential, waiting for funding that the NDIS took away or never granted.

The system overlooked them. You don't have to.

What is the
Co-Hive Foundation?

A registered charity (DGR Type 1) that funds Autistic young adults with mild disability to access critical supports through Co-Hive to build the skills, confidence and independence they need to find employment and live a meaningful life.

Our Misson

Fund young adults with mild disability to access the pathways and supports they need to thrive.

Tax Deductible

We hold Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR Type 1) status. All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.

About Co-Hive

Australia's first education-driven learning community for young adults aged 17–35 with mild disabilities and autism, helping them achieve award-wage open employment, build independence, and strengthen social connections.

Be a Co-Giver

Three Ways to Support the Co-Hive Foundation

Fund a participant scholarship

Fund a young adult to attend a Co-Hive program for a  pathway to employment & independence.

$ 15,000

per scholarship

Fund a young adult to attend a Co-Hive program for a pathway to employment & independence.

Goal: 15 Scholarships

Enable capacity and growth

Funding to grow awareness of this young adult cohort and increase the capacity to help more young adults.

$ 120,000

goal per year

Funding to grow awareness of this young adult cohort and increase the capacity to help more young adults.

Goal: Part-Time Community Engagement Lead & Part-time Inclusive Employment Coach

Build strategic partnerships

Partner with us to create work experience and employment pathways, sponsor key projects, or provide pro bono professional expertise.

Let's Talk

about your organisation.

Partner with us to create work experience and employment pathways, sponsor key projects, or provide pro bono professional expertise.

Tailored to your organisation.

Why Support
Co-Hive?

We've made a real difference for the young adults who needed a pathway, the families who needed hope, and the communities that feel the ripple effect.

92%

in paid employment 12+ months

82%

improved mental health

87%

greater independence at home

Colleen, Parent

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"What really resonated with me was Co-Hive's holistic approach — preparing young people for real adult life. Teaching practical skills like cooking and budgeting, promoting health and fitness, and creating real pathways towards employment and independence.

As a parent, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing your child feel capable, valued, and moving toward their future."

Tristan, Participant

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"For a long time my life felt quite isolated — lost and unsure about my future. Within a few weeks at Co-Hive I noticed real changes: more confidence, more motivation, a stronger sense of direction. Co-Hive gave me routine, purpose, and real friendships.

It has helped my family see that I can do this — that I have a future. I'm now working towards my goals, and I now have hope for the future. "

John, Parent

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"One of the biggest changes we've seen in such a short time is Henry's confidence and sense of self-belief — and honestly, that's something we struggled to achieve for years. The staff genuinely care. Co-Hive has helped guide us through the NDIS process and always looks out for what is best for Henry. From one parent to another — you're in the right place."

Watch Full Testimonial Here
Nathan, Parent

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Co-Hive for us has been amazing. From the first visit to meet Kim, then the first social meet-ups before Neve was officially part of the program, Neve felt accepted and confident — and I felt connected. I have had the good fortune to meet many of the parents of Co-Hive participants, and it is so incredible how much these supportive parents will do to provide their children with the best opportunities in life. Here at Co-Hive, that effort finally feels worth it."

Neve, Participant

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Now I put my hand up in class and answer questions — I never did that in high school. It feels like a real college experience, so I see myself as much more of a young adult. I get myself to Central every morning, meet up with friends, and we all get on the train together. I organise weekend catch-ups and we've even had a swimming party at my place.

Co-Hive has given me real friendships and a life I'm actually excited about."

Lisa, Parent

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"What Co-Hive has done is push Ella's boundaries in a way that is supportive, encouraging, and empowering. She's formed real friendships, found a sense of purpose, and is learning to cook meals from scratch.

Watching her grow in confidence and independence, gaining real life skills — that has made all the difference."

Watch Full Testimonial Here
Ella, Participant

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"I feel so independent and free now. I've made some really great new friends and we have so much fun together. It's great learning to cook through Co-Eats and preparing for a future job in Hospitality. I was travel trained at Co-Hive, and being able to get myself to places on my own has been really good for me. I am proud of myself for being able to do things I never did at school through Co-Hive."

Watch Full Testimonial Here
Will, Participant

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"I think they’ve really turned me into something I’ve always wanted to become. Just because you have a disability doesn’t mean you can’t be anything in life. You have to put your mind, hard work, and resilience into it. That’s what Kim and everyone at Co-Hive has taught me. Whether participant or facilitator, I’ve learnt so much. I keep learning every day."

Watch Full Testimonial Here
Jelena, Parent

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"The Employment Pathways program has been a key thread in Luke’s journey towards independence. Each workplacement has helped build his confidence, his skills, and his sense of purpose. And now, Luke has secured paid open employment. This is a huge feat, and it shows us that kids like those who attend Co-Hive can absolutely do this."

Watch Full Testimonial Here
Sarah, Parent

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Being at Co-Hive opened our eyes to something profound. There's more to life than just finding a job. Work skills matter, but so do building friendships and independence. Oska represented Co-Hive at the Workability Expo - he woke up early for something he was genuinely proud of. That's what Co-Hive offers you: that jump-out-of-bed feeling."

Watch Full Testimonial Here
Robyn, Parent

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Riley is maturing in a way that I could have only dreamed about. He is far more confident and willing to participate in conversations on a variety of topics. He has also been travel trained by Co-Hive, which has taken a huge load off me as I work full time. It means so much that he can get there independently."

Watch Full Testimonial Here
Clare, Parent

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Within weeks at Co-Hive her confidence was growing. Co-Hive has empowered her to set her own goals.

Each day she gets herself up and out early, excited to see her friends, staff, and plan her week. She comes home full of stories, filled with joy and purpose."

Watch Full Testimonial Here
Natalee, Parent

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"The one thing that makes Co-Hive stand out as a disability service provider is how much they care about each child’s interests.

They believe our kids, like all kids, deserve the opportunity to discover what they genuinely enjoy and what will be a good fit for them."

Watch Full Testimonial Here

Our Goal

$345,000

To fund:

15 scholarships
$15,000 each

Part-time Inclusive
Employment Coach
$60,000

Part-time Community
Engagement Lead
$60,000

Our Board

Combined 50+ years across disability, education, finance and governance with lived experience at the table.

Tim Moddel

Chair, Co-Hive Foundation

Rodney Green

Director & Parent advocate

Daniel Isserow

Director & Treasurer

Every dollar moves someone off the waitlist and into their future.

These are the faces behind the statistics.

Each one deserves a pathway. Your support helps build it.

Without funding, there is no impact.

Be a Co-Giver!

The system overlooked them.You don't have to.

Your donation funds a young adult's place at Co-Hive and helps us grow to reach more.