Who Are We?
The South Ward Environmental Alliance (SWEA) was founded in 2015, by Kim Gaddy, a mother of three asthmatic children with 20 years experience as an Environmental Justice Organizer fighting against air and water pollution in her frontline community of Newark. The South Ward neighborhood is disproportionately burdened with cumulative impacts of pollution impacting the health and quality of life of the residents.
OUR PROGRAMS
Air Quality
The South Ward of Newark is negatively impacted by the diesel pollution from the Port of NY/NJ. The South Ward is the backyard of the third-largest port with 20,000 trucks trips per day and 4,500 of them stay on the local roads of the South Ward, this is an environmental health injustice.
In Memory of Sonny Gaddy, Jr.
In memory of my son, whose vibrant spirit and compassionate heart touched the lives of all who knew him, I establish this book scholarship. Though he may no longer walk beside us, his legacy of kindness will forever inspire those who benefit from this scholarship.
SWEA Fall Open House 2022
Amazon x EWR Press Conference
Kim Gaddy, 2021 Russ Berrie Making a Difference Honoree
Kim Gaddy Accepting the NJ DEP Richard J. Sullivan Award
Meet The Team
Kim Gaddy
FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
Building strategic relationships in the Dayton Street, Clinton Hill and Weequahic neighborhoods of the South Ward to cultivate a healthy, vibrant and sustainable South Ward.
Asada Rashidi
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ORGANIZER
Assisting with special projects, supporting staff and facilitating communications with alliance members and the South Ward community.
James Young
Solar, Community Outreach
Educate and engage community members for the Vote Solar Campaign through public education, volunteer recruitment and coordination and media campaigns.