Bittersweet Farms Selected as Finalist for 2021 Better Business Bureau Torch Awards

Whitehouse, OH…The Better Business Bureau of Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan has named Bittersweet Farms a finalist for the 2021 Torch Awards for Ethics. 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 generates 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. 

“We are thrilled to be a finalist for the Torch Awards again this year,” said Dustin Watkins, Bittersweet Executive Director. “At every level of the 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 yet again, the team has achieved this goal together. Thank you to BBB, our dedicated employees, and our loyal supporters.”

In order to be eligible to be a Torch Award finalist or recipient, nonprofit organizations must complete a rigorous Charitable Standards Evaluation process with the BBB and meet all BBB Standards for Charitable Accountability. 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 they 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 Blade Readers’ Choice Award for Community Support in 2021 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.