Growing Roots 501(c)(3) educates and empowers low-income Spanish and English-speaking families of children with special needs.

Who we Are

Marcelina, with her daughter Chela

Growing Roots, a 100% volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was created to educate, connect, and support low-income families of children with special needs.

When Marcelina, pictured above, was told her daughter Chela had Autism, she was given a 15 page printout from the National Institutes of Health along with a list of websites for support and information. As a speech language pathologist, even I struggled to understand the complex translation of medical terminology and treatment options. Marcelina has less than a 5th grade education and does not own a computer. She is one of hundreds of parents that are expected to independently navigate complex medical and educational systems that require high levels of competency, literacy and advocacy. 

Through interactive classes and support groups that consider linguistic, cultural and/or socioeconomic diversity, Growing Roots is changing outcomes for these families. We provide families with the necessary knowledge, resources and support to become active participants in their child’s care. 

As president and founder, it is my honor to welcome you to the Growing Roots community. Thank you for your support,

                                                            Our Programs

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Parents of Premature Babies

Growing Roots and St. David's Medical Center have partnered to offer low-income Spanish and English speaking parents of premature babies to learn how they can help their baby after hospital discharge. In November, parents will begin a hands-on course covering topics such as "How can I help my baby develop?", "What do all these doctors/therapists do?" and "Who can help me in the community?". Classes teach and provide parents about developmental toys and books to empower parents as their child's most important advocate and first teacher.
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Specialized Prenatal and Parenting Class

Through our partnership with the Office of Parental Representation, a public defender's office, Growing Roots has designed workshops to offer an interactive prenatal and parenting course for expectant mothers with previous history of trauma/abuse. Workshops include support groups sessions led by an infant mental health counselor. Topics include: "Nutrition and Budgeting for baby, "Bonding and attachment", "Developmental play and reading", and "Safe and loving parenting". Workshops will start in Winter 2012.
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Parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Growing Roots is completing a five week course for parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Course topics include "Understanding Autism", "Setting up the home environment", and "Becoming your child's advocate". Sessions will provide parents with a support group and connect them to resources within the community. This course will be offered in the Spring 2012.

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Special Education in the Schools

Growing Roots has partnered with special educators and community members to design  monthly workshops for parents with children enrolled in special education in the school district. Sessions will be held within conference rooms in libraries to guarantee access to all families. Topics covered include: "Learning how to read your child's treatment plan", "Understanding eligibility", and "Effective communication" in ARDs.  Workshops will start in December 2011.

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