Bright Endeavors manufactures and sells soy candles, reed diffusers, and bath salts in order to provide transitional job training and professional skill development for young mothers facing systemic barriers in Chicago and the western suburbs. The initiative was started by New Moms, a not-for-profit organization that helps young mothers transition to housing stability, economic mobility, and family wellbeing. Brain science research indicates that there are three periods of life in which the brain develops most rapidly: early childhood, adolescence, and when someone becomes a new parent. New Moms works at the intersection of all three. Bright Endeavors is a 16-week paid program that builds core life skills and career skills through integrated classroom training, coaching, and hands-on job experience. Participants produce premium candles that are handmade from soy wax and phthlate free fragrances. Priority is giving to responsible materials like recycled glass and cardboard and biodegradable packing materials. All proceeds are reinvested towards their mission. Bright Endeavors is part of the REDF portfolio, Chicago Fair Trade, and the Social Enterprise Alliance.