Celebrating Roots

Who We Are Celebrating Roots is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth from underserved and marginalized communities by eliminating barriers to critical developmental opportunities. We are rooted in the values of cultural responsiveness, community trust, and equity, ensuring that every young person has access to programs that honor their unique heritage and needs. Our Mission Our mission is to provide holistic developmental support to youth and families from marginalized backgrounds. We aim to create spaces where youth can thrive, build confidence, and become leaders in their communities. We work hand-in-hand with families to address systemic barriers, leveraging cultural knowledge and community connections to drive meaningful change. Our History Celebrating Roots emerged in response to findings from a 2016 University of Washington study on violence prevention, which highlighted a gap in access to programs for East African youth. Parents expressed distrust in services perceived as extensions of the system, leaving many young people without vital resources. To bridge this gap, we built an organization led by and reflective of the community it serves, using language, cultural understanding, and trust to connect youth and families with the opportunities they deserve. Today, Celebrating Roots continues to grow, empowering youth and families to lead boldly, celebrate their roots, and thrive in a world of limitless possibilities.

At Celebrating Roots, we empower youth from underrepresented and underserved communities by breaking down barriers to essential developmental programs. Founded in response to community needs, we bridge the gap between families and opportunities with culturally relevant, community-centered solutions. As a community led organization, we strive to create a space where young people can thrive, draw strength from their heritage, and lead with confidence.