About Us

Who We Are

Southside ReLeaf is dedicated to making Southside Richmond a greener, healthier, and more connected community by addressing environmental injustices and advocating for equitable green spaces. We aim to create public landscapes and improve private properties that collectively enhance community well-being, environmental sustainability, economic development, and social equity.

Our Mission

The mission of Southside ReLeaf is to improve the quality of life in the Southside by greening communities and advocating with our neighbors.

Our Vision

We envision a future where equitable access to green spaces and environmental justice are integral to the Southside Richmond community's expectations, public policy, and daily practice.

Our Values

Whether we are engaging in public landscape projects, conducting educational programming, or collaborating with the community, our culture and work are guided by a shared set of values and beliefs cultivated from within the organization. These values serve as the moral compass for Southside ReLeaf, clarifying assumptions of board and staff, and defining expectations and choices regarding the core principles of our work.

Justice: Dismantling systems of oppression is not just a principle but a guiding force that drives our mission. Justice permeates every aspect of our work. It means ensuring equity and fairness in access to green spaces, resources, and opportunities, particularly in communities that have historically been marginalized or underserved.
Enlightening: Southside ReLeaf aspires to educate the community about environmental justice, the importance of green spaces, and sustainable practices. Our work elevates community standards and expectations for vibrant, dynamic public spaces.
Transformative: Our impact is evident in the transformation of neglected or underutilized areas into thriving public landscapes. We create spaces that are both beautiful and healthy, fostering unity and pride within neighborhoods and enhancing overall community well-being.
Inspiring: Driven by imagination, innovation, and resourcefulness, Southside ReLeaf’s projects are designed to uplift the community through forward-thinking partnerships and visionary design. We bring the best models and innovative ideas from around the world to Southside Richmond.
Welcoming: Our public landscapes are places of activity, gathering, and respite, offering beauty, tranquility, and nourishment for body and spirit. These spaces are inviting and accessible to all members of the community, igniting feelings of joy, and fostering a sense of belonging and engagement.
Respectful: Reflecting the diversity of nature, we honor and encourage diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our operations, governance, and public projects. Our stakeholders and constituents embrace inclusiveness and collaboration, with the goal of creating safe and beautiful spaces for everyone to enjoy.
Collaborative: Through thoughtful public/private partnerships and collaborative efforts, Southside ReLeaf approaches projects and advocacy with a collective mindset. We strive for the betterment of the community as a whole, ensuring that our work benefits all residents and stakeholders.

By adhering to these values, Southside ReLeaf is committed to fostering a greener, more equitable, and connected Southside Richmond, where everyone has access to the benefits of thriving public landscapes.