HOPE BLOOMS
Through innovative agricultural and culinary programs, Hope Blooms engages youth to become change agents, positively impacting the community. They have been on the widely televised show Dragon Den earning extremely positive reviews and striking a profitable deal on their project.
CHALLENGE
Coming from an inner city, youth are often overlooked and adults struggle to see their potential. Hope Blooms want to break the stigma around inner city children because they believe every child is full of their own possibilities. Since 2008, Hope Blooms has taken on the challenge of creating innovative environments for long term impact in food security, education, social inclusion and disrupting the cycle of poverty.
INNOVATION
Working together, the community builds urban organic food systems. The students plant seeds and tend crops in an abandoned lot in their neighbourhood, turning their produce into a line of organic salad dressings sold at the Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market. Their sales assist in funding their community programs such as the; culinary & cultural arts programs in which community members enjoy an outdoor theater and market, group workshops focused on building entrepreneurial skills, youth urban agriculture where the youth learns how to grow organic food gardens etc. This social entrepreneurship creates an impact that is inspiring, supportive and diverse. More importantly, it mobilizes positive change. Another amazing way that Hope Blooms influences the community long term is when individuals have the opportunity to mentor and guide younger pupils in the program. This unique resolution has and will continue to help many!
“We invest in people. We invest in diversity. We invest in inclusiveness. We invest in a social return on investment.”
