Sponsored by Green Sanctuary 
At both our Christmas Eve Services this year, at 4 p.m. and 9:45 p.m., we will collect funds to support Bright Spot Ventures. Bright Spot Ventures is a program designed to give former foster care youth real-world employment experience in working in agriculture and agricultural-related jobs.  Youth help run Bright Spot Urban Farm, which is located off Route 13 in the city and includes a half-acre of arable land and a greenhouse. The farm serves the Wilmington community, including under-served areas;  They grow and harvest everything that's in season and serve eight markets a week with a mobile produce truck.  The markets are set up across the socioeconomic line, with markets in under-served areas of Wilmington, where access to fresh food is severely limited, to corporate offices in Rodney Square.  In addition, Bright Spot youth coordinate the Cool Springs Farmer's Market at North Jackson  & West 10th St.         

The social service mission of Bright Spot is that it empowers youth transitioning out of foster care and it provides them with basic job skills and employment so that they can find future employment in either agricultural or non-agricultural fields.  Youth learn customer service skills and financial skills,  counting change at the end of the day and maintaining the books, timeliness at work and a good work ethic.   Students who graduate from the program can find employment in agriculture, landscaping and floral shops.   The Christmas poinsettias we sell at First UU Wilmington are grown by Bright Spot youth at the greenhouse on the Holloway Urban Farm.