Better Business Bureau Names Bittersweet Farms 2022 Torch Award for Ethics Winner
Whitehouse, OH…The Better Business Bureau of Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan has awarded Bittersweet Farms with the 2022 Torch Award for Ethics in the Nonprofit Business category. The Torch Award honors organizations whose leaders demonstrate a high level of personal character, ensures that the organization’s practices meet the highest standards of ethics, and, consequently, generate trust with its customers and the community.
Bittersweet Farms is a nonprofit organization serving individuals with autism in a unique farmstead setting. Founded in 1983 as the first farmstead program for adults with autism in the United States, Bittersweet has since expanded to three farmstead locations across Northwest Ohio (Whitehouse, Pemberville, and Lima). Bittersweet’s model focuses on the abilities and talents of individuals with autism, encouraging their growth and development with person-centered supports. The mission of Bittersweet Farms is to positively impact the lives of individuals with autism and those whose lives they touch.
“After three consecutive years as a Torch Awards finalist, we are both thrilled and humbled to be chosen as the winner this year,” said Dustin Watkins, Bittersweet Executive Director. “At every level of our organization, we strive to do business and advance our mission in ways that reflect Bittersweet’s Core Values and instill trust in our constituents. This honor demonstrates that our team has achieved this incredible goal together. Thank you to the BBB, our dedicated employees, and our loyal supporters.”
Nonprofit organizations must complete a rigorous Charitable Standards Evaluation process with the BBB and meet all BBB Standards for Charitable Accountability to be considered for the Torch Award. Entries are evaluated by an independent, voluntary panel of judges comprised of business and community leaders with attention to the organization’s character, culture, ethics, customers, and community.
“Our loyal donors have been a core part of the Bittersweet Community since the very beginning,” says Julie Champa, Development Director. “This honor is a reflection of the excellent work their gifts have made possible, and we hope it continues to inspire confidence as they invest in a bright future for Bittersweet.”
This is the latest of several honors Bittersweet has received in recent years. The organization was the proud recipient of the Toledo City Paper’s Best of Toledo Award for Charity/Nonprofit in 2021, The Blade Readers’ Choice Award for Community Support in 2021 and 2022, The Blade Readers’ Choice Award for Best Place to Work in 2022, and the 2020 Innovation and Excellence Award for Large Nonprofit Organization.
To learn more about Bittersweet Farms or to make a charitable donation, visit www.bittersweetfarms.org.
About Bittersweet, Inc.
Since 1983, Bittersweet, Inc. has been successfully serving adults and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders across three locations in Ohio. Bittersweet offers unique supports that encourage individuals with autism to grow and develop their abilities and talents in an agricultural setting. The mission of Bittersweet, Inc. is to positively impact the lives of individuals with autism and those whose lives they touch.
Media Contact:
Katie Kuntz-Wineland, Marketing Coordinator
419-875-6986, ext. 1241; kkuntz-wineland@bittersweetfarms.org
