Rooted in Wellness
Education
Bridging the gap between Clinical Care
and Community Health...
Mission
Our mission is to cultivate a healthier, more sustainable community by building a lasting ecosystem of health, resilience, and empowerment where individuals and families thrive across generations. It’s about expanding access to nutritious food, equipping individuals with practical, evidence-based nutrition education, and strengthening bonds by creating layers of connection—self, family, peer, and community—that reinforce each other, ultimately building a sustainable foundation for health and resilience through peer support and active community involvement.
OUR STORY
We are Rooted in Wellness Education because we recognize that true well-being extends far beyond physical health alone. Like a tree that draws strength from its roots, we thrive when we are firmly grounded in practices, relationships, and values that nourish every aspect of our being—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.
By staying connected to these foundations, we cultivate resilience, balance, and a deeper sense of purpose. This holistic approach to wellness allows us to grow, adapt, and flourish—even in the face of life’s challenges—leading to a more fulfilled and harmonious life.
In the heart of Fallbrook, California, a quiet crisis has long been unfolding. Families have struggled—not only with hunger, but also with a lack of access to reliable nutrition education, wellness resources, and opportunities for personal growth. In 1991, three local churches came together to respond, establishing the Fallbrook Food Pantry. Over the years, the Pantry became a lifeline for countless families.
In 2018, Shae Gawlak—a degreed Nutritionist with fifteen years of nonprofit leadership and experience as an Exercise Sports Science professor—was appointed CEO. Shae introduced nutrition education, personal growth programs, and wellness initiatives to the Pantry’s services. For the past seven years, she has witnessed firsthand the realities of community need: mothers choosing between rent and groceries, seniors skipping meals to afford medication, and children growing up without the knowledge or support to build healthy lives. Each face reflected not only need, but also strength, courage, and the quiet hope for something more.
Amid this urgency, Shae joined forces with Catherine Sousa, then Board President of the Fallbrook Food Pantry (2021–2023) and a lifelong advocate for community empowerment. Together, they asked a transformative question: What if food insecurity was only the beginning? What if the true solution went beyond emergency food assistance and into long-term, life-changing education?
...and Rooted in Wellness was born from that vision. A place where underserved individuals could access not only nutritious food, but also the knowledge, skills, and confidence to nourish their lives from the inside out.
More than a program, RIW is a movement. Serving as the critical bridge between survival and stability, it offers evidence-based wellness education that empowers people to take control of their health—through nutrition, chronic disease prevention, mental well-being, and emotional growth. From cooking classes and cancer-supportive workshops to diabetes management and youth wellness courses, RIW equips individuals with the tools for self-advocacy, resilience, and lifelong change.
Shae and Catherine understood that this was never about a handout. It was about restoration—about creating pathways to wellness for people who had too often been told they were meant to go without.
Today, Rooted in Wellness stands as a bridge between hardship and healing. A place where hope is cultivated, education is transformative, and every person is seen, heard, and valued. With Shae and Catherine at the helm, RIW continues to reach deeper into the community, carrying forward its mission with compassion, purpose, and the unshakable belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive.
"Rooted in compassion, driven by purpose—because love never fails."
— Catherine Sousa
The challenges
Health Challenges
Many people in our community face rising rates of diabetes, obesity, cancer, and heart disease. Limited preventive education and high healthcare costs make it difficult to manage and prevent these conditions, especially when mental, emotional, and financial wellness is overlooked.
Food & Nutrition Challenges
Access to nutritious food is often limited by high costs, food insecurity, and unhealthy food environments. Families may also lack trauma-informed guidance for cooking, budgeting, and making healthy choices that last.
Community & Social Challenges
Isolation, limited intergenerational health education, and barriers related to income, language, culture, and historical inequities leave individuals without strong support networks during times of stress, illness, or recovery.
Systemic Challenges
Healthcare frequently emphasizes treatment over prevention, and community programs are often underfunded. Weak connections to sustainable local food systems and supportive networks make it harder for individuals and families to thrive.
Our Solution
Education
We provide evidence-based wellness education to help individuals and families make informed choices about nutrition, stress management, and lifestyle habits.
Access
Rooted in Wellness helps improve access to nutritious foods, wellness programs, and community resources that support long-term health.
Community Support
We build strong connections across generations and communities, fostering support networks that empower individuals to maintain lasting health, even during times of stress, illness, or recovery.
Bridging the Gap
By linking clinical care with practical, hands-on guidance in daily life, Rooted in Wellness helps people translate medical advice into real-life habits that improve overall wellbeing.
Together with community and clinical partners, we’re creating healthier individuals and stronger, more resilient communities.
