Groundwork Elizabeth is a non-profit corporation whose mission it is to "foster sustainable community regeneration" in the City of Elizabeth. An outgrowth of a program developed by the National Park Service called Groundwork USA, the Groundwork programs in the U.S. evolved from a model which was developed in the U.K. Currently there are 50 "Groundwork Trusts" in the U.K. In 1996 the National Park Service imported this successful program into three pilot communities, Bridgeport, Conn., Lawrence, MA., and Providence, RI. Since that point in time the program has expanded into more in-need cities. Elizabeth's Groundwork program is the ninth in the country.

The goals for sustained regeneration of City sites will take on the following measures:

a)Land-Groundwork Elizabeth will help transform derelict land and wasted public space into valued community assets such as pocket parks, community gardens, recreation facilities and nature preserves.

b)Brownfields-Groundwork Elizabeth intends to partner with government agencies and the private sector to engage residents and build consensus on the reuse of brownfields for community benefit. Groundwork Elizabeth will enhance the marketability of brownfields by improving the surrounding area to signal community pride and rejuvenation.

c)Education-Groundwork Elizabeth is reaching out to schools in the City in order to improve outdoor facilities for recreation and education. We will help provide after-school activities which engage students in improving their community.

d)Business-Groundwork Elizabeth is working with businesses to enhance their sites, improve their environmental performance, and involve them in volunteer service days benefiting their community.

e)Youth-Groundwork Elizabeth will work with young people to develop job and leadership skills by engaging them in our projects and programs as staff and volunteers.

f)Communities-Groundwork Elizabeth is making a long term commitment to specific neighborhoods and will work closely with other organizations and initiatives in those areas to maximize impact and improve the quality of life.