Shaerine
Rooted in Wellness
Nourishment for Life
Youth Program Spotlight
Empowering individuals & communities
through knowledge, connection,
AND prevention.
Rooted in Wellness (RIW) is a mission-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming lives through evidence-based health education, wellness experiences, nourishment, and community connection.
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We believe every individual deserves the opportunity to live a healthier, more vibrant life—regardless of their background, circumstances, or access to resources. Through innovative programming, strategic partnerships, and evidence-informed education, we empower individuals, families, workplaces, and communities to take meaningful steps toward lifelong wellbeing.
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At RIW, wellness is more than the absence of illness. It is the presence of knowledge, confidence, connection, resilience, and purpose.
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Our programs focus on prevention and empowerment, equipping individuals with practical, evidence-based tools to take charge of their health. From personalized nutrition guidance and therapeutic cooking classes to stress management, movement, and peer-to-peer support, we help people build lifelong habits that support recovery, reduce the risk of recurrence, and promote long-term wellness.
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At RIW, we believe wellness should be accessible, culturally sensitive, and rooted in dignity. By removing barriers and meeting people where they are, we empower individuals to transform their health—and their communities.
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We don’t just teach wellness—we cultivate it. 🌱
Our Mission is to cultivate a healthier, more sustainable community where individuals and families can thrive across generations. We expand access to nutritious food, provide practical nutrition education, and strengthen connections—self, family, peer, and community—to build a lasting foundation of health and resilience.
Our Vision is to cultivate a future where every individual—regardless of geography or economy has the knowledge, resources, and support to live a vibrant, healthy life. Through access to nutrition education and holistic prevention, RIW aims to reduce the burden of chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity, cancer, and cardiovascular illness, transforming communities through empowerment, equity, and lifelong well-being.
Our Commitment is to meet people where they are, with dignity and cultural sensitivity, while removing barriers that stand in the way of lifelong wellness.
"Rooted in compassion, driven by purpose—because love never fails."
—Catherine Sousa
Our work is grounded in these four pillars:
Education
We provide practical, engaging health and wellness education that empowers individuals to make informed decisions, build healthy habits, and create lasting behavioral change. From youth gardening programs and nutrition classes to our Health Educator Certification Program, we equip people with the tools they need to thrive.
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Wellness
We support whole-person wellbeing by integrating physical health, emotional resilience, stress management, mindfulness, movement, and restorative practices into our programs. Our wellness experiences are designed to help individuals reconnect with themselves and cultivate sustainable self-care.​​​
Approximately
30–50% of all cancer cases may be preventable
Nourishment
We help individuals understand the powerful relationship between food and health. Through cooking classes, farm-to-table experiences, cancer nutrition programs, diabetes education, and community gardening initiatives, we inspire healthier choices that nourish both body and mind. Food is Medicine.
24,000 participants found that mindfulness-based interventions produced moderate improvements in mental health outcomes
Social Connection Helps
People Live Longer
Community
We believe healing and growth happen in connection with others. By creating supportive environments where people feel seen, valued, and empowered, we strengthen communities and foster a culture of belonging, compassion, and collective wellbeing.
What We Offer
At Rooted in Wellness, we ignite healthier lives by empowering individuals and communities to take charge of their wellbeing. Whether it’s personalized guidance, dynamic group learning, or transformative wellness initiatives, our programs blend education, support, and hands-on tools to spark lasting change and vibrant living.
One-on-One with an RD
Personalized nutrition guidance and wellness support tailored to individual goals and health conditions.
Wellness Retreats
Group-based experiences that promote connection, self-care, and long-term healthy habits.
Courses & Workshops
Interactive programs covering nutrition, lifestyle habits, and holistic wellness strategies.
Corporate Wellness (CSR Programs)
Partnerships with organizations to foster healthier, more engaged teams and support workplace wellness.
Our Collaborative Partners
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