From the desk of the ED,  

Where we are, where we stand, and where we are going. 

As I reflect on celebrating 25 years of Groundwork Lawrence (GWL), I am humbled, honored, and inspired by how far we have come and how far we will go. Our organization is stronger than it has ever been and that is due in large part to who we are and what we do.  The people who work day in and day out with our community to create programming that is relevant and impactful. The people who work with our partners, local, state, and federal, securing funding of much-needed dollars to create and renovate green spaces and trails so the residents of Lawrence have equitable access. The people who give their time, treasure, and talent to support GWL and so many other organizations that are doing important work in our community. 

As a nation, we are currently at a crossroads, but as an organization, we stand true to who we are and what we stand for.  An organization — a community — that will continue to change places, change lives, and change systems. We will continue to uplift the voices of our community members, to support and stand with our residents.   

As we navigate these challenging times and those that will come, we know one thing to be true, Groundwork Lawrence will be a voice for those who cannot speak, we will not remain silent as the powers that be try to dismantle the world that we live in. We will stand with our friends, our neighbors, our staff, our board, our partners, and our community. We will stand with our sister organizations, with our brothers and sisters across the country to fight against tyranny, oppression and fascism. 

The road ahead is uncertain and will be very difficult, but together we will rise, we will stand strong, and we will overcome. We will fight these battles together as a community and we will prevail.   

— Lesly Melendez