Meet Energize Program Navigator Josie Rudderham
Here at Energize Bridgewater we want to make our programs easy to access for residents. We offer programs to help reduce energy costs for homeowners, as well as landlords, and tenants. We also support people who are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity to find quality housing through SSODA. We have three key principles that we follow:
Relationship Building - We want to get to know program participants. We want you to know there is a human on the other end of the phone or computer who is there to help and will be with you throughout your journey with Energize Bridgewater.
Accessibility - We want to make sure our program materials are accessible for people with disabilities. We want to remove barriers to participate in our programs, and we want to advocate on your behalf if there is a roadblock stopping you from participating.
Trauma-Informed Service - We recognize that people in our community have experienced many different types of trauma. We want to avoid re-traumatizing people who are speaking with us. We are trained to provide trauma-informed service and we commit to putting our training into practice.
These three key principles are put into practice by our Energize Program Navigator, Josie Rudderham. Josie is the person who answers questions, helps folks get started with the home upgrade process, and provides support along the way. We wanted to get to know Josie a little better since she has recently been hired as our full-time Energize Program Navigator.
Q & A With Josie
Why did you want to join the Energize Bridgewater team?
I moved to the Bridgewater area because I knew the Town had a reputation for being progressive and a leader in sustainability. As I settled into the community, I discovered the Energize Bridgwater Program and was determined to become a part of the amazing vision they had to reduce energy poverty and contribute to climate change. I have always tried to be the change I want to see in the world and the Energize Bridgewater team provides a unique opportunity to help change residents’ lives today and also to influence a greener future for us all.
What are you most excited to accomplish in your work on Energize Bridgewater?
I love meeting residents and understanding more about their energy needs and their unique challenges in managing energy costs. The more I learn and integrate in program planning, the better targeted and helpful our programs can be.
What was your background (education and/or work) before joining the team?
I have owned and run a from-scratch bakery for the last 15 years as well as publishing two cookbooks. Previous to that, I worked in the mortgage industry. In my life as a bakery owner I advocated widely for better working conditions and living wage for employees in the culinary industry. My time in the mortgage industry highlighted to me the impacts of the wage gap and inequities in financial systems.
What do you like about living and working in/near Bridgewater?
I feel very lucky to be surrounded by stunning hiking trails, beautiful beaches, and vibrant forests; my family and I try to take advantage as much as possible. I love that after 18 months I am still discovering delicious places to eat, local farms and producers, and artists that make the South Shore such a wonderful place to live.
What are some of your hobbies or passions outside of work?
I am a serial crafter and often jump from hobby to hobby, but it’s always in the pursuit of learning a new craft or trade to express my creativity. I enjoy yoga and cooking for relaxation. My husband is also starting a regenerative market garden farm on our property so I spend a lot of time working on that project with him.