About Root & Rise
Strong communities are built from the roots up.
Root & Rise is a community development organization based in Indianapolis, working to create the conditions young people and families need to grow — and to stay rooted once they do.
Our Story
Built on a simple belief.
Sustainable change rarely comes from addressing isolated problems one at a time. It comes from the slower, steadier work of building environments where people can actually grow: places to belong, adults who consistently show up, and room to discover strengths that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Young people need chances to succeed, and just as importantly, chances to fail safely, learn, and try again. Root & Rise exists to help build those environments in Indianapolis — starting with young people, and growing from there.
Our Mission
Creating environments where children, families, and communities can thrive through mentorship, education, faith, and opportunity.
That mission belongs to everyone Root & Rise serves, regardless of background, belief, or circumstance. The work is values-driven at its core, and open to the whole community it serves.
Our Vision
Communities where every young person has the relationships, resources, and opportunities to build a meaningful future.
A future where strong foundations aren’t determined by zip code or circumstance, and where growth is expected, supported, and celebrated at every stage.
Why “Root & Rise”
Strong roots create the foundation from which people can rise. The name holds both halves of the work in balance — neither one complete without the other.
Root
- Identity
- Relationships
- Character
- Stability
- Education
- Belonging
- Foundation
Rise
- Confidence
- Ambition
- Opportunity
- Leadership
- Purpose
- Growth
- Possibility
Our Approach
How the mission takes shape day to day.
Whole-Person Development
Supporting identity, character, education, health, and purpose together, not in isolation.
Consistent Mentorship
Building relationships that show up reliably, over years, not weeks.
Experiential Learning
Learning by doing, exploring, and trying, guided by adults who invest in the process.
Community Partnership
Working with schools, families, and local organizations already doing good work.
Long-Term Investment
Choosing depth over speed, and sustainability over quick wins.
Accessible Opportunity
Removing unnecessary barriers so participation depends on interest, not circumstance.
Our Values
What we hold to, regardless of season.
Relationships Before Programs
People grow through consistent relationships, not curricula alone. Every program starts there.
Curiosity Before Limits
Exposure expands what young people believe is possible for their own lives.
Dignity Always
People are participants in their own growth, not projects to be fixed.
Whole-Person Development
Education, character, health, relationships, recreation, and purpose are connected, not separate tracks.
Long-Term Thinking
Root & Rise is building foundations intended to last well beyond a single program cycle.
Community With, Not For
This work is built alongside the schools, families, and organizations already rooted in the community.
Leadership & Board
Stewardship from people with varied expertise.
Root & Rise is guided by leadership and board members committed to accountability, sound governance, and the long-term health of the organization. Full profiles are being added as the team grows.
Executive Leadership
Name to be added
Executive Director
A short biography will go here.
Board of Directors
Name to be added
Board Chair
A short biography will go here.
Name to be added
Board Member
A short biography will go here.
Want to build with us?
There's a place in this work for mentors, volunteers, partners, and donors alike.