Our Story

​We are "Rooted in Wellness" 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 foundational elements, we cultivate resilience, balance, and a deeper sense of purpose. This holistic approach to wellness ensures that we can grow, adapt, and flourish, even in the face of life's challenges, leading to a more fulfilled and harmonious life.​​

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In the heart of Fallbrook, California, where rolling hills cradle a resilient community, a quiet crisis had long been unfolding. Since 1991, families have been struggling—not just with hunger, but with a lack of access to reliable nutrition education, wellness resources, and tools for personal growth. Shae Gawlak, CEO of the Fallbrook Food Pantry and a degreed Nutritionist, had seen it all up close: mothers choosing between rent and groceries, seniors skipping meals to afford medication, and children growing up without the knowledge or support to lead healthy lives. Each face told a story of need—of strength, courage, and the quiet hope for something better.

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It was in this space of urgency and purpose that Shae joined forces with Catherine Sousa, Board President of the Pantry and a lifelong advocate for community empowerment. Together, they asked a powerful question: What if food insecurity was just the beginning? What if the solution went beyond emergency food assistance and toward long-term, life-changing education?

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Rooted in Wellness was born from that vision—a place where underserved individuals could access not only healthy food, but the knowledge and confidence to nourish their lives from the inside out.

More than a program, RIW is a movement. Designed as the critical stop gap 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 provides tools for self-advocacy, resilience, and lifelong change.

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Shae and Catherine knew this wasn’t about a handout. It was about restoration. About creating a path to wellness for people who had long been told they were meant to go without.

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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, fulfilling its mission with compassion, purpose, and the unshakable belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive.

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​"Rooted in compassion, driven by purpose—because love never fails."--Catherine Sousa