Our Vision
A world where every family has what they need to heal and rise.
We envision a world where individuals and families have access to the knowledge, nourishment, movement, and support they need to heal, thrive, and rise together.
A family-centered nonprofit collective
Rooted in Wellness.
Rising Together.
A family-centered nonprofit creating accessible pathways to nourishment, movement, meditation, somatic wellness, education, and community care.
Our promise
Healing in community.
Who we are
A collective rooted in care, growing in community.
Root & Rise Collective is a nonprofit initiative dedicated to restoring whole-person wellness through nourishment, mobility, somatic health, education, and community-centered care. We believe healing happens in community, and that every family deserves access to tools that support the body, mind, and spirit.
- 100%
- Community-rooted
- 5
- Wellness pillars
Our Mission
Creating accessible wellness experiences for families and communities.
Our mission is to create accessible wellness experiences that support restoration, education, family connection, and preventative care through food, movement, and holistic community programming.
We believe true wellness includes nourishment of the body, regulation of the nervous system, mindfulness of the mind, and meaningful connection with community.
Five pillars
The roots that hold our work together.
Every program we offer grows from these five interconnected commitments — body, breath, mind, family, and community.
01
Nourishment
Homemade breads, fresh butters, baked goods, juices, and wellness-centered foods.
02
Mobility & Somatic Wellness
Stretching, body awareness, nervous system support, and restorative movement.
03
Meditation & Mindfulness
Guided meditation, breathwork, stress reduction, emotional regulation, and mindfulness practices that cultivate balance, peace, and resilience.
04
Family & Community
Programs designed to support families, youth, mothers, and community connection.
05
Education & Empowerment
Teaching practical wellness skills for sustainable everyday living.
Breathe
Inhale · Exhale · Arrive
Inner Wellness
Meditation, Breathwork & Inner Wellness.
Healing begins within.
Through guided meditation, breathwork, mindfulness practices, and nervous system regulation techniques, Root & Rise helps individuals and families cultivate greater peace, emotional awareness, resilience, and overall well-being.
Our goal is to create accessible spaces where people can slow down, reconnect with themselves, reduce stress, and develop lifelong wellness practices.
Guided meditation
Breathwork
Stress reduction
Nervous system support
First Offering
Our first program
Community Restore Day
Our first program offering is a wellness-centered community event designed to provide accessible support through guided mobility, somatic wellness education, fresh nourishment, family-friendly activities, and community connection.
- Guided stretch and mobility
- Meditation and breathwork
- Somatic wellness education
- Fresh juices and nourishing foods
- Family-centered activities
- Community support and connection
Founder statement
“Root & Rise Collective was created from a belief that wellness should feel accessible, restorative, and deeply human. Through nourishment, movement, somatic health, and education, we are building spaces where families can reconnect with their bodies, their communities, and their capacity to heal.”
R&R
The Founder
Root & Rise Collective
Our People
Meet Our Leadership Team.
At Root & Rise Collective, our leadership team is united by a shared commitment to healing, empowerment, education, wellness, and community growth. Together, we work to create opportunities that help individuals and families build stronger foundations, discover their purpose, and thrive.
Leadership
Keila Valdes
Founder & Executive Director
I am Keila Valdes, founder of Root & Rise Collective. My life's work is centered on helping people reconnect with themselves through movement, nourishment, healing, and community.
Leadership
William Lee Shephard
Director of Community Development
I am William Lee Shephard, a father, entrepreneur, mentor, and advocate for youth and families.
Leadership
Chandra Lugo
Executive Officer
My name is Chandra Lugo, and I serve as Executive Officer of Root & Rise Collective.
Community Garden Movement
Growing Wellness Together.
Food is more than nourishment — it is connection.
Root & Rise promotes community wellness through gardening, food education, fresh ingredients, healthy cooking practices, and shared experiences that bring people together.
By growing food, sharing knowledge, and cultivating community spaces, we help create stronger and healthier neighborhoods.
Community gardening
Fresh produce access
Healthy cooking practices
Food education
Plant. Share. Rise.
How you can support
Every act of care plants a seed.
Every contribution helps us plant seeds of wellness, restore families, and create stronger communities.
Donate
Fund nourishment, movement, and education for families in need.
Sponsor a Program
Underwrite a Community Restore Day or wellness workshop.
Volunteer
Share your skills in cooking, movement, care, or community building.
Partner With Us
Bring your organization into shared programming and impact.
Attend an Event
Join us in person for nourishment, movement, and connection.
Sponsorship & Partnership
Partner With Root & Rise.
Sponsors and partners are how community wellness becomes accessible. Together, we fund nourishment, movement, meditation, and family-centered programming for the families who need it most.
- Sponsor Community Restore Day or a wellness workshop
- Underwrite meditation, mobility, or food-education programming
- Partner on youth, family, or community-garden initiatives
- Co-create events that strengthen Richmond and beyond
Our sponsorship packet is being finalized. Click above to send a quick request — we'll deliver it to your inbox the moment it's ready.
Sponsorship Tiers
Tailored levels for every partner.
- SeedlingCommunity supporter
- GroveProgram sponsor
- CanopyFounding partner
Full benefits, recognition, and impact reporting are detailed in the sponsorship packet.
Together
Community Connection
Healing happens in community.
Wellness flourishes when people support one another.
Root & Rise creates opportunities for families, neighbors, volunteers, and community partners to connect through shared experiences, education, wellness programming, and service.
Together we build stronger relationships, healthier communities, and brighter futures.
Families & Neighbors
Shared experiences that bring families and neighbors closer.
Volunteers & Partners
Service opportunities that fuel collective healing.
Wellness Programming
Workshops, events, and circles that build lasting belonging.
Plant seeds of change
Help us plant seeds of change.
Your support helps provide wellness resources, food-based programming, mobility education, youth support, and community events for families in need.
Make a Donation
Choose an amount
Online donation processing is coming soon. Submit your inquiry and a Root & Rise team member will reach out to complete your gift securely.
Get in touch
Connect with Root & Rise Collective.
Whether you have a question, want to volunteer, partner, sponsor, or attend our next event — we'd love to hear from you.
- Based inRichmond, Virginia
- CommunityServing families everywhere we're invited.