Where Elders Grow Wisdom and Youth Grow Opportunity
Why Roots of Resilience Exists
Elders face isolation and limited access to wellness resources. Young adults need paid, meaningful work and mentorship. Roots of Resilience addresses both using gardening as a proven, low-cost vehicle for physical health, mental well-being, workforce development, and social connection.
What We Do
Elder Garden Activations
This initiative mobilizes elders through home-based and CMS Wellness garden engagement, combining light physical activity with mental-health support and consistent social connection. Participants receive tools, seeds, and structured, ongoing support to ensure gardens are sustainable and participation remains accessible, purposeful, and dignified.
Community Garden Network
A connected garden ecosystem enables shared produce, knowledge, and resources across households and CMS Wellness. The model strengthens food security, deepens social cohesion, and lays the foundation for long-term neighborhood resilience through collective stewardship.
Paid Youth Workforce Pathways
Young adults are placed through county workforce programs into paid, hands-on roles supporting urban agriculture and community wellness. The pathway builds practical skills while reinforcing mentorship, teamwork, and job readiness—creating a clear on-ramp from participation to employability.
Monthly Wellness Workshops
Recurring workshops deliver integrated education across gardening, movement, nutrition, and mental wellness. Programming includes accessible practices such as yoga, stretching, tai chi, and cooking demonstrations, designed to reinforce healthy routines and practical self-care.