Bright Spot Farms

Bright Spot Ventures was established in April 2010 by West End Neighborhood House with support from Barclays US to offer former foster care youth real-world, paid employment experience. In 2011, a community garden was created in Wilmington's Little Italy district, and by 2014, the program expanded to Bright Spot Farms, incorporating an acre of arable land and a greenhouse through a partnership with Delaware's Department of Health & Social Services.

Bright Spot Farms emphasizes pesticide-free vegetable production and horticultural skills through a curriculum approved by the Delaware Nursery & Landscape Association. The farm operates on 3 acres of land and includes training in soft skills such as punctuality, conflict resolution, and business-related job skills. The program also offers the opportunity to obtain a food handlers certificate from Delaware's Department of Agriculture.

The farm includes a Mobile Market and a Garden Center that sells flowers, vegetable, and herb plants. Youth participants, aged 14-19, engage in hands-on vegetable production while developing teamwork, independence, and leadership skills. The program culminates in paid internships with local businesses, some of which lead to employment offers.