The mission of Bittersweet Farms is to positively impact the lives of individuals with autism and those whose lives they touch.  Bittersweet was the first farmstead-based program for adults with autism in the United States. Since 1983, Bittersweet has grown to include three farmstead locations across Northwest Ohio (Whitehouse, Pemberville, and Lima). Today, Bittersweet Farms serves over 100 adults and adolescents with autism in its person-centered residential, vocational, and educational programs.

Participants in the vocational program at Bittersweet can choose between a variety of farmstead-based activities, including gardening, art, baking, animal care, groundskeeping, and more. Participants in the Gardens, Culinary, and Creative Arts Programs create products for sale to the local community. These programs provide meaningful paid employment and the opportunity to job skills for community employment.