GROUNDWORK LAWRENCE INC
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Mission Statement
Groundwork Lawrence (GWL) is a nonprofit organization that has been changing places and changing lives, and changing systems in Lawrence, MA since 1999. Our formal mission is to bring about the sustained regeneration, improvement, and management of the physical environment by developing community-based partnerships which empower people, businesses, and organizations to promote environmental, economic, and social well-being. GWL invests in place-based initiatives and projects to positively transform the local community and the lives of those living in it. Learn more at: http://www.groundworklawrence.org
About This Cause
Groundwork Lawrence (GWL) takes a holistic approach to its place-based initiatives and projects working to transform the local community and the lives of those living in it. We recognize that the overall health of a community is inextricably linked with the environment in which residents live. We utilize the following four program areas to achieve this goal: Environmental & Open Space Improvements: Groundwork seeks to create a high quality built and natural environment by renovating existing facilities, creating new recreational opportunities, and stewarding Lawrence's three rivers. We transform vacant and contaminated land into healthy parks and green spaces for recreational pursuits. To date, in collaboration with the City of Lawrence, we have provided design and construction management services for over $30 million dollars of capital improvements and remediated over 15,000 acres of brownfields. Through our Green Streets urban forestry program and our partnership with the Greening the Gateway Cities (GGC) Program, we increase tree equity by planting trees in residential yards, along streets, and in parks and public spaces. To date, we have planted over 5,000 trees. Education & Job Training: GWL strives to develop the next generation of environmentally engaged citizens and job-ready residents by providing opportunities through our education and career development programming, including in- and out-of-school enrichment, our year-round Green Team youth employment and mentorship program, and our Urban Adventures summer elementary and middle school children’s program. Through education, community service, and job training, GWL fosters respect for the environment, instills social-emotional awareness, and cultivates healthy behavior while preparing young people to be positive role models and future leaders. Fresh Food Access: GWL increases access to high quality, healthy food in the community and promotes health education which ultimately supports a decrease in diet-related preventable disease. GWL operates Costello Urban Farm which acts as an educational center for Green Team, other youth and adults, and produces fresh food, which is then donated to local food pantries and sent home to our youth's families. We also provide safe-soil gardening spaces for a network of 11 community gardener and accept EBT/SNAP/HIP purchases and senior and WIC vouchers at our farmers' markets. Community Engagement: GWL encourages Lawrence residents to take pride in a clean and green community and to highlight and activate open spaces in the city. Each year, GWL engages thousands of residents in large volunteer events and activities such as park and open space planning, neighborhood cleanups, and festivals. GWL coordinates an annual Spicket River Cleanup, an Earth Day event, and a Kite Festival which is offered in partnership with Lawrence's S.A.L.S.A (Supporting Active Lifestyles for All) event. GWL also hosts the Greenway 5K to support the use of the Spicket River Greenway for recreation.