ReClaim Central 2.0

In an effort to maximize the impact of investments in vacant land, Grounded Strategies developed the ReClaim Ambassador model, which simultaneously builds knowledge, capacity, and expertise within individuals in vulnerable communities while enabling tangible actions to fuel community revitalization efforts. Vacant land serves as the platform to foster increased community engagement and ownership of the revitalization process and provides a canvas for the implementation of catalytic strategies to create positive hubs of community health.

In the winter of 2016-17, Grounded recruited a dozen Central Hill District residents, called Ambassadors, to lead the movement for reclaiming vacant lots. The Ambassadors participated in a total of 6 classes and workshops to learn about the process of reclaiming vacant land. Throughout the classes, the Ambassadors designed their own vacant lot projects and rallied their communities to bring the projects to life. In the spring of 2017, the Ambassadors began work on vacant lots around the Hill District.

Beginning in September 2018, ReClaim Central returned for a second round of programming. In this phase, returning Ambassadors receive continued support with an extended curriculum based on leadership development, land-use policy, and sustainment of their projects. New Ambassadors will join the program and help the team plan and implement two new green space projects in the neighborhood.