ROOTS 2EMPOWER

Over the reporting period, the organization strengthened regional partnerships, expanded educational programming, and advanced community-centered climate and environmental justice initiatives. Collaboration with the Health Equity Zones supported curriculum development and delivery of community workshops, including the Growing Healthy Food series, an Urban Forestry series, and training on pathways to becoming a community tree steward. These efforts increased resident knowledge of food systems, ecological stewardship, and local climate resilience strategies. Youth education and workforce development remained a central focus. A comprehensive curriculum was developed and implemented for the Green Futures STEAM Program, resulting in the launch of a 10-week paid summer program serving sixteen high school students. The program integrated environmental science, sustainability careers, and applied learning. Additionally, an all-year afterschool program at Shea High School provided instruction in eco-arts, herbal medicine, and climate change education, reinforcing interdisciplinary environmental literacy. Place-based education was further supported through programming on the history of food justice in partnership with Southside Community Land Trust, combined with eco-arts engagement to connect environmental learning with cultural expression. A partnership with another nonprofit expanded youth arts programming within the summer initiative, strengthening creative pathways for environmental storytelling and expression. At the policy and systems level, the organization advanced multiple climate justice initiatives. Through Driving Climate Resilience Through Community Empowerment, collaboration with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management supported the development and updating of climate mitigation planning focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and harmful air pollutants while centering engagement with low-income and disadvantaged communities. Regional energy justice leadership capacity expanded through the Offshore Wind Energy Justice Leadership Cohort in partnership with SouthCoast Wind. This initiative cultivated a network of community leaders equipped to serve as ambassadors for offshore wind energy justice. The cohort strengthened sustained community engagement in offshore wind development and supported equitable participation across local, state, and federal permitting processes. Through the Climate Ready Together initiative with the Providence Resilience Partnership, the organization led curriculum development, trained and supported facilitation teams, and facilitated a cohort, advancing community preparedness and participatory resilience planning. In partnership with a university on Pricing a Just Transition, the organization led interview and focus group recruitment, facilitated focus groups, and advised on equity and accessibility across project components. The tenant engagement phase is nearing completion, with additional interviews and focus groups conducted with workers and property owners. Food access and community health outcomes were strengthened through continued cultivation at the community garden, distributing fresh produce and herbs to approximately 200 individuals. These efforts advanced food sovereignty, supported household nutrition, and reinforced community-based environmental stewardship.