Groundwork Southcoast Marks its Second Year

Given the polarization and retrenchment we see from the federal government when it comes to protecting the environment, it becomes imperative that communities look for ways to support and sustain themselves. The philosophy of localism supports local production and consumption of goods, local control of government, and promotion of local history, local culture and local identity.

Here on the SouthCoast a new organization is trying to foster local approaches for sustainability. Groundwork Southcoast was founded in 2017 as a chapter of Groundwork USA, a network of local organizations devoted to transforming the natural and built environments of low income and marginalized communities. It was the first chapter in the national network to span two cities – Fall River and New Bedford. Under the leadership of Executive Director Maura Ramsey and a dedicated board of directors, it has been offering programming and raising funds in both cities for the past 18 months.

The current GWSC visible project in Fall River is a new farmer’s market in The Flint. Through collaboration with State Rep. Carole Fiola, and community partners, the organization opened the F3 Flint Neighborhood Farmers Market on July 10. This farmers market is the only one in Fall River where Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program/Electronic Benefit Transfer and Healthy Incentives Program benefits are accepted. The market will run for a total 8 weeks on Tuesdays from 2 to 6 p.m. through August 28.

The market is located at Our Lady of Light Band at the corner of Quequechan and Quarry streets (across from Planet Fitness) at 664 Quarry Street. Throughout the summer, there are rotating activities including: Be Cooking demonstrations, bike helmet give-a-ways and other fun activities organized by GWSC and its partners.

“In Fall River there is a lot of energy around the farmers market, the pilots around school engagement, and Comcast Cares Day back on May 19,” Ramsey explained recently. “There is a lot of energy from the city and our community partners for Green Team and related projects in New Bedford. GWSC is positioned for success in the coming year and beyond. Moreover, we are identifying and building in response to where the greatest energy is in each city, which demonstrates that we are here to work as collaborators with all of our potential partners. We are actively seeking out new collaborators in Fall River.

Based on their success so far, Ramsey and the board decided it was time to take a small leap and hire a full-time salaried program manager to ensure that we continue to build our momentum. Who they hired has exciting implications for the organization and the community of Fall River. Eric Andrade, well known in the community for his work with Mass in Motion Fall River, has transitioned from the GWSC board of directors to assume the new role of full time program manager.

In a recent statement, Andrade said, “My time with the board has been a phenomenal experience, and I have enjoyed working in that capacity to help grow our organization. As the new program manager for GWSC, I am excited to help create the local leaders of tomorrow through our Green Team program and bring sustainable neighborhood and environmental based changes to two communities that I myself have grown up in.”

Andrade will focus on developing youth leadership and to grow the organization’s programming in both Fall River and New Bedford. In late August, he will lead a youth delegation to the annual Groundwork Youth Summit at Yellowstone National Park. Jade Pennington, a returning Green Team member from last year, will also be heading to Yellowstone, her second time there under the Groundwork Southcoast banner. “Although I was nervous at first, my time during the trip ended up being the highlight of my summer. It gave me a chance to learn and grow with new people alike from all over the US. I am very excited to go back with more people from our trust; I’m glad more people are able to have an amazing opportunity.”

The SouthCoast chapter of Groundwork hopes over time to emulate its big sister organization, Groundwork Lawrence. Groundwork Lawrence, which has mentored our local chapter and provided administrative support, has integrated itself into the fabric of the Lawrence community and provides a model for which GWSC strives. The communities of Fall River and New Bedford have rallied to the cause and our local chapter is one it way.

For more information about Groundwork Southcoast contact Maura Ramsey at mramsey@groundworksouthcoast.org

Michael Coughlin is a member of the Groundwork Southcoast Board of Directors