City of New Haven Office of Climate and Sustainability
The Office of Climate and Sustainability collaborates with City departments, community organizations, and New Haven residents to advance and coordinate city-wide climate and environmental sustainability policies, practices, and initiatives. The Office implements climate mitigation and adaptation solutions that intersect with and address immediate challenges facing residents, such as finding safe and affordable housing, accessing quality employment opportunities, and improving air quality and respiratory health. Its work particularly focuses on addressing the health and economic impacts of climate change in underserved communities disproportionately affected by COVID-19 and grappling with the legacy of redlining.
The Fellow will assist the Office with assembly a 2023 greenhouse gas inventory and will assist the Office with research and engagement related to various environmental justice and climate action projects.
Read the organization’s placement proposal
Learn more: newhavenct.gov/climate
CitySeed
CitySeed is a community-based nonprofit with a mission to engage the community in growing an equitable, local food system that promotes economic development, community development and sustainable agriculture. Cityseed has three programs: Sanctuary Kitchen, Incubates, and Farmers Markets. Its food entrepreneurship programs, Sanctuary Kitchen and Incubates, focus on supporting under-resourced chefs through affordable kitchen rentals, a Food Business Accelerator, and hands-on resources. CitySeed’s farmers markets host over 30 local farmers each year across the city at 3 locations. These markets serve as one of the leading redemption sites in the state for nutrition benefits. CitySeed’s markets team also works to advance policies related to sustainable agriculture and farm viability.
The Fellow will assist the farmers market team with administering its SNAP and FMNP doubling programs, as well as leading market programming like children’s activities, cooking demonstrations, and community activities. The Fellow will also assist with CitySeed’s food entrepreneurship programs, assisting its storytelling campaign by documenting the journey of their diverse food entrepreneurs, creating engaging social media content, and coordinating feedback sessions.
Read the organization’s placement proposal
Learn more: cityseed.org
Fair Haven Community Health Care
Fair Haven Community Health Care (FHCHC) is a federally qualified health center committed to providing comprehensive, culturally responsive healthcare that promotes health equity. FHCHC serves approximately 34,000 individuals, primarily people of color and those with low incomes.
Recognizing the crucial link between nutrition and overall well-being, FHCHC is developing a Food as Medicine program. This initiative addresses both the medical and social needs of patients. The Fellow will collaborate with the Food Program Director and Clinical Lead for Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease Prevention to implement processes for the prescription for food program and a new food “farmacy”, scheduled to open in spring 2025.
Read the organization’s placement proposal
Learn more: fhchc.org
Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Southern CT
Michelle’s House, home of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Connecticut (SCDAA.CT), focuses on enhancing the quality of life for individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease (SCD) and related conditions. Through prevention strategies, education, support services, partnerships, and advocacy, SCDAA.CT empowers the community to manage SCD and improve their overall well-being.
The Fellow will contribute to the organization’s communications by writing the Membership Newsletter and will assist in securing a grant for its new Sickle Cell Trait Testing Van initiative. Additionally, the Fellow will develop a report on the status of SCD in Connecticut using data provided by the Department of Public Health.
Read the organization’s placement proposal
Learn more: michelleshousect.org