Groundwork Lawrence

Groundwork Lawrence (GWL), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, has been making change happen in Greater Lawrence, Massachusetts since its beginnings in 1999. Through its environmental and open space improvements, fresh food access programs, youth education, employment initiatives, and community programming and events, GWL creates the building blocks of a healthy community, and empowers residents to improve their quality of life. GWL achieves results by engaging the whole community – residents, youth, non-profits, government and businesses – in the planning and realization of its projects. With this collaborative approach, GWL ensures that all stakeholders are mutually invested in its outcomes, the key to stable neighborhoods and sustainable change.

GWL's mission and operations are premised on the understanding that environmental conditions are inextricably linked to the economic and social health of a neighborhood. As a consequence, GWL is committed to "changing places, changing lives and changing systems" through on-the-ground projects that help to transform local communities. GWL's 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."