Our Story
Founded in 2001, Worcester Roots Project emerged from the collective efforts of residents in Worcester’s Main South and Piedmont neighborhoods, driven by a shared commitment to environmental justice. The organization began its journey by addressing the critical issue of lead-contaminated soil in low-income areas, providing free soil testing and affordable remediation methods such as phytoremediation. This initiative not only made green spaces safe for children and families but also ignited a passion for community engagement.
In 2005, a group of motivated youth approached Worcester Roots with a vision to enhance youth leadership in environmental efforts. This collaboration birthed the Toxic Soil Busters, a program that has grown from five to ten dedicated youth members. Through this initiative, young leaders are trained as community organizers, lead-safe landscapers, and video producers, all while advocating for environmental justice in Worcester.
Worcester Roots has continued to expand its impact by uniting Green Jobs supporters in 2008 and launching the Youth In Charge program in 2009, which empowers youth to tackle community-identified issues. The Worcester Energy Barnraisers, adopted in 2010, promotes sustainability through collaborative energy efficiency projects, allowing volunteers to gain valuable skills while reducing their carbon footprint.
In subsequent years, Worcester Roots has incubated various worker cooperatives, including the Future Focus Media Co-op and Diggers Landscaping Co-op, fostering economic sustainability and community engagement. The organization also coordinates the annual Frederick Douglass Fourth of July Reading and the Central Mass Film Festival, further enriching the cultural landscape of Worcester.