Mission:
The Community Roots Collective is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering parents through education, resources, and compassionate support. We nurture a community that provides pre and postnatal care through education and peer support, prioritizes parental mental health, and fosters growth and resilience in the journey of parenthood.
Vision:
Our vision is to create a world where every parent is empowered with the knowledge, support, and community they need to thrive. We aspire to foster a nurturing environment where families grow stronger together, embracing a holistic approach to parenting and cultivating lasting, supportive relationships.
Our History:
In 2012, Charlie Rea Young, the founder of the Community Roots Collective (The Roots) and Barefoot Birth, was driving around Tampa Bay in her makeshift mobile infirmary, known as “The Bus.” Built from the ground up by dedicated volunteers, its mission was to provide free prenatal care to underserved communities. While serving as a midwife to low-income families, Charlie continually heard one common concern from the families she worked with: “There was no place for like-minded parents to go for support, breastfeeding classes, or parenting resources without a hidden agenda or a cost.”
In response to this need, The Roots was established in 2015 as a judgment-free space where parents of all backgrounds could come together for support and community. Over the years, we have grown and evolved to meet the changing needs of families in the Tampa Bay area and beyond. Today, we provide a home where parents can access vital resources on parenting, participate in peer support groups, attend educational workshops, and find a community that helps them navigate the challenges of raising a family. Through our compassionate and holistic approach, we continue to empower families to grow and thrive.
The families we serve represent the full socioeconomic diversity of the Tampa Bay area.
