2026 Hope Grows Here Summer Market

During the first week of August, youth in residential treatment at Applewood and Bellefaire JCB held their Hope Grows Here Summer Markets, the culminating project of Fostering Hope’s summer garden program.

Youth have been working toward the Summer Market since the program began in June. Along with tending the garden by watering, weeding, cultivating, and harvesting, they explored what it means to work together as a community. They brainstormed handmade goods they could create and sell at the market, including herb salts, sugar scrubs, and handmade cards. They also voted on a charity to receive a portion of the proceeds from their sales. Applewood youth selected the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, while Bellefaire JCB youth chose W.A.G.S. for Kids.

As the garden began producing tomatoes, cucumbers, and zucchini, youth found creative ways to enjoy and share their harvest. They sampled produce and learned recipes, such as quick pickles and zucchini muffins, while thinking about how they could recommend their favorites to customers at the market.

Youth also reflected on their individual strengths as they chose the roles they would take on during the Summer Market. Roles included greeting customers, creating floral arrangements, packaging purchases, offering refreshments, collecting donations, writing thank-you cards, and offering a helping hand wherever needed. The Summer Market gave youth an opportunity to see not only what they are capable of growing and creating, but also how their individual efforts can come together to make a positive impact on others and their community.

The markets were also made possible through the generosity of our local community. Community members donated flowers for youth to use in their arrangements, and BigHearted Blooms also provided a beautiful floral donation. One group of local youth even held a lemonade stand and raised $119 to purchase flowers for the market! The youth who took on the role of florist had a wonderful time creating flower arrangements, which quickly became one of the most popular offerings at both markets.

Thanks to the generous donations and support of our Summer Market customers, Fostering Hope is making a $200 donation to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank on behalf of Applewood youth and a $200 donation to W.A.G.S. for Kids on behalf of Bellefaire JCB youth. Through Hope Grows Here, youth experienced the full process of growing, creating, sharing, and giving back. What began with tiny seeds in the garden grew into something much bigger: an opportunity for youth to recognize their strengths, work together, and see the impact they can have in their communities.