The Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council (WRWC) was thrilled to host the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and regional leaders on Friday, October 25, for the SOAR Awards press conference, where WRWC was honored as a grant recipient through the Southeast New England Program (SNEP) Opportunity to Advance Resilience (SOAR) initiative. This funding directly supports climate resilience, workforce development, and community engagement projects in under-resourced communities across Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts.
Special thanks to EPA New England Regional Administrator David Cash, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, U.S. Representatives Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo, RIDEM Director Terry Gray, RIDOH Deputy Director of Public Health Seema Dixit, and our state and local partners for their dedication to strengthening environmental equity and resilience in the region.
WRWC’s David Morales led the speaking engagement, sharing powerful insights into the importance of WRWC’s climate resilience and community programs, such as Nuevas Voces and Campeones de Combate Climático.
“With the support of the EPA and our Federal Delegation, these funds allow the WRWC to provide resident stipends and child care for participants, honoring the time they’ve taken out of their busy lives to engage in our programs. Additionally, SOAR funding will further expand program opportunities, such as green infrastructure field trips and climate resilience workshops.” said Community Programs Director, David Morales
Nuevas Voces and Campeones de Combate Climático engage Providence’s Spanish-speaking residents in climate leadership, advocacy, and preparedness, creating pathways to green jobs and building environmental resilience for our communities. Sayda Arraiza, a 2022 graduate of Nuevas Voces now enrolled in Campeones de Combate Climático and serving as a Nuevas Voces co-facilitator, and Beatriz Estrada, a current Nuevas Voces participant, also spoke at the event. They shared experiences of how WRWC’s programs have empowered them and emphasized the value of community-driven environmental initiatives.
“SOAR funding empowers our mission to build a resilient, thriving watershed that supports our community’s social, environmental, and economic health,” said Alicia Lehrer, Executive Director of WRWC. “Through our programs like Nuevas Voces and Campeones de Combate Climático, we’re able to train community members to become local climate leaders while building pathways to high-wage, green jobs. We’re proud to stand among such incredible organizations that share in this vision of resilience.”
SOAR Award Recipients and Project Highlights
The SOAR Fund has awarded a total of $1,052,460 to four major projects in 2024. These awards, combined with the 2023 grants, address critical needs for climate adaptation, community resilience, and workforce training across Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. Below are the awarded projects and their objectives:
2024 SOAR Awardees
- Voces Fuertes (Strong Voices) for the Water Table
- Award: $300,000
- Grantee: Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council (WRWC)
- Location: Providence, RI
- Description: WRWC’s project, delivered through Nuevas Voces and Campeones de Combate Climático, trains Providence’s Spanish-speaking residents in climate leadership, creating pathways to jobs in green industries and bolstering community resilience.
- Climate Resiliency Training and Employment to Address Community Needs
- Award: $300,000
- Grantee: Groundwork Rhode Island
- Location: Providence, RI
- Description: In collaboration with local agencies, Groundwork RI offers stormwater management and urban forestry training, providing job opportunities for previously incarcerated individuals.
- Protecting the Watershed with Trees
- Award: $152,460
- Grantee: Newport Tree Conservancy
- Location: Newport, RI
- Description: This project enhances Newport’s tree canopy in the North End neighborhood, involving residents in stewardship and helping to address environmental inequalities.
- Workforce Development for Sustainable Southcoast Communities
- Award: $300,000
- Grantee: Groundwork Southcoast
- Location: New Bedford and Fall River, MA
- Description: Groundwork Southcoast’s Green Corps trains young adults aged 18-26 in green infrastructure and resilience-building, empowering the next generation of local climate leaders.
For more award information, including the 2023 awardees go here:
Through the SOAR program, the EPA and SNEP are empowering organizations and communities to face climate challenges head-on, building a resilient future through equity and sustainability. WRWC is honored to be a part of this visionary cohort, driving environmental justice and resilience in the Woonasquatucket River Watershed and beyond.