Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE)
Celebrating 100 Grants
Press Releases
- November 1, 2011 - Duwamish Valley
Community Partnership Panel Discussion
- Agenda (PDF) (1pp, 13k)
- Panelist Bios (PDF) (2pp, 17k)
- Panel Video (Windows Media)
October 18, 2011 begins the celebration of EPA awarding the 100th grant under the Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) Program.
Over 50 CARE communities and partners will arrive in Washington, DC to participate in two events. The first is a White House Tour of the East Wing. The second is a celebration at EPA with Administrator Jackson (invited) along with a Community and Partners Panel discussion. The diverse group of panelists includes Carmen Sirianni of Brandeis University, Sue Briggum of Waste Management, Inc., Peggy Shepard of West Harlem Environmental Action, Inc., Mayor Ronald Davis of Prichard, AL, David Fukuzawa of Kresge Foundation and Donele Wilkins of the Detroit Green Door Initiative. They will engage in a spirited discussion with the CARE communities and others in attendance.
Through the CARE program, EPA provides funding, tools and technical support that enable underserved communities to create collaborative partnerships to take effective actions to address local environmental problems. This on-the-ground support and funding helps to reduce environmental pollution from all sources, revitalize underserved areas and improve the health of communities across the nation in sustainable ways. CARE is modeling the Administrator's vision of "One EPA" and is "Expanding the Conversation on Environmentalism."
Since 2005, CARE communities have leveraged EPA grant funding dollar-for-dollar with in-kind donations to 87 communities in 40 states and territories. They have engaged 1,700 partners, visited 4,000 homes, met with 2,800 businesses and worked with 6,000 youth. They are addressing EPA priorities and goals on climate change, improving air quality, assuring the safety of chemicals, cleaning up their communities, and protecting America's waters. 90% of CARE projects are in communities with EJ concerns.
EPA Regional Offices and CARE communities are encouraged to continue this celebration throughout the calendar year with specific events across the nation.