Community Works RI Receives 1 of 38 Earth Day Grants Awarded by DEM & RIRRC in 2014
PROVIDENCE - In celebration of Earth Day - April 22, 2014 - the Department of Environmental Management partnered with the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation to offer grants to organizers of local Earth Day 2014 cleanup projects. The goal of this grant program is to highlight Earth Day 2014, and the value of the environment, and recognize the importance of people improving the quality of life in their communities. A total of $16,850 was awarded for 38 Earth Day grants to cleanup organizers in non-profit organizations and municipalities throughout the state.
One organization awarded an Earth Day grant through this program is Community Works RI (CWRI). CWRI was founded in 2008 as a result of a merger between The Elmwood Foundation and Greater Elmwood Neighborhood Services, two community-based organizations with 30-year histories of serving the housing and community development needs of the South Side of Providence. CWRI works with community members to create opportunities for people to live in affordable and healthy homes, to improve their lives, and to strengthen their communities. CWRI is a Charter Affiliate of NeighborWorks America and a member of the Housing Network of Rhode Island.
Community Works RI will be holding its Earth Day celebration on April 22nd at the CWRI-owned Laura Street Community Gardens, located in Providence's Elmwood neighborhood, which kicks off at a 9:15 a.m. opening ceremony. This event will focus on promoting healthy living, eating, and environmental education. This project will include a community garden clean-up and a teaching component where resident youth from the CWRI/YMCA Youth Resident Activities Program (YRAP), and the surrounding neighborhood will build agricultural skills and knowledge while learning together to prepare the gardens for the coming growing season.
The project will be brought forth through collaboration among a number of well established community organizations. In addition to CWRI, participating organizations include The YMCA, Sodexo Education, Seven Stars Bakery, The City of Providence Department of Public Works, The University of Rhode Island's SNAP Education Program, Rhode Island Housing, West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation, and the West Side Montessori School. Support is also being provided by the RI Indian Council and Raffini-Agriculturist and Story teller. CWRI expects between 150-200 people to participate in this event.
"Earth Day reminds us to take care of the lands and waters that sustain us," added Director Coit. "That responsibility requires action every day of the year." "Here in this small corner in Providence is the perfect example of good stewardship to preserve the earth for future generations."