Growing a Healthier Future in Richmond’s Southside

November 4, 2025, The Phil

In 2019, Sheri Shannon and Amy Wentz heard a shocking statistic: Those who live in the Southside area of Richmond, Virginia, have up to a 20-year life expectancy gap compared to those who live in other parts of the city. This could be attributed to systemic racism, a higher concentration of poverty, exposure to environmental hazards, limited healthy food options and inadequate access to quality health care.

Shannon and Wentz were inspired to make a difference in their community and teamed up to create Southside ReLeaf, a nonprofit dedicated to environmental justice and equitable access to green spaces. It works to improve the quality of life for residents of Southside Richmond by using community-driven strategies to address and combat environmental injustices.

“The work that we do is all about making Southside Richmond greener, healthier and more connected,” said Sarah Wilkinson, communications manager for Southside ReLeaf.