Happy Spring neighbors! Our calendar tells me we’ve reached the season of new beginnings, and it seems the weather is just catching up! As I look around lately, these new beginnings are coming to life everywhere: bunches of grass shyly popping up out of the dirt…flowers springing forth and awaiting their bloom…the greens in our office grow-tent reaching through the other side of the soil and preparing to be planted at the 4th St farm, eventually being sold at the PWYC markets in summer! After months and months of shivering in low temperatures, it’s a beautiful sight to have the warmth of new life around. This new life is not present only in the greenery of the outdoors, and I bet you can notice that, too. Where in your life are you witnessing new beginnings? the blossoming of new ideas? opportunities? relationships? mindsets?

Lots of new life is blossoming here at Groundwork Erie, and I invite you to please read further into the new members we’ve added to the team, our spring programming for youth and young adults, and the community partnership projects coming soon! Before that however, let me offer you a moment of reflection:

The fresh spring blossoms don’t just appear out of nowhere. The plants store fall energy, they mature underground all winter, they grow deeper roots, they listen to the weather for the right time to bloom. Whatever new life springing forth now is the fruit of winter’s long labor. That is true about the growth at Groundwork Erie, too - members of our team worked all winter long to envision our spring, and put care and dedication into developing community relationships, formulating programs, and connecting with our youth. The dread of winter, at times, made that work feel laborious and monotonous. Yet, we persisted, and that is worth celebrating! We want you to celebrate with us. What laborious and monotonous work have you done for yourself this winter? Where did you store energy? Where did your roots grow deeper? What is coming to fruition in your life as a result of your efforts? What can you choose to celebrate? Whatever it may be, I hope you realize that you persisted, you grew, and you deserve to have a spring in your step because of it ;)

NEW MEMBERS OF THE GROUNDWORK ERIE TEAM

GROUND CORPS SUPERVISOR - Connie Walker

"I am a passionate advocate for equitable use of green space, food systems and access to nature, with a deep commitment to beautifying landscapes and caring for places we call home. Known as the 'The MushRoom Lady,' I share my knowledge of fungi, foraging, and regenerative living with the broader community. I am dedicated to cultivating leadership, resilience and a strong sense of connection to beautiful, thriving environments now and for generations to come.”

This month starts Connie’s new beginning at Groundwork Erie! She joins our team as Ground Corps Supervisor in our inaugural season of the program. With 20+ years of experience in mentorship, leadership, and program coordination, Connie has the ability to support young people in skill-building, teamwork, and personal growth. We’re confident in her abilities to usher in the new program, and bring about lasting, positive change for our young adult crew and our neighborhoods.

Welcome, Connie! We’re so excited to spring into work with you :)