At Rooted Philanthropic, we believe wellness is both personal and collective. Healthy communities are built when individuals and families have equitable access to opportunities that support physical health, mental wellbeing, social connection, healthy food access, economic stability and safe spaces to thrive.
Through a partnership with East Side Freedom Library, in 2023-24, Rooted Philanthropic engaged East Side residents, organizational leaders, and community stakeholders to better understand the barriers and opportunities impacting wellness across Saint Paul’s East Side. Through community listening sessions, small group conversations, and research, residents shared a clear vision for what wellness could look like in their neighborhood.
That vision continues to shape our work today.
Rooted Philanthropic has moved beyond identifying wellness priorities and is actively investing in community led initiatives that create healthier outcomes for East Side residents. Recent investments include supporting an 8-week wellness cohort at the F.I.T Lab that provided East Side residents with access to healthy lifestyle support; helping expand the East Side Farmers Market to increase access to fresh foods while supporting local farmers; and partnering with GameTime Hero to develop the East Side Community Connect platform-a digital community hub designed to help residents easily access local events, wellness resources, family -friendly activities, and community opportunities happening throughout Saint Paul’s East Side. This Platform was created to strengthen community connection, increase awareness of local resources, and make it easier for residents to engage with opportunities that supports overall well-being.
These investments reflect our commitment to supporting innovative, community-driven solutions that improve overall wellness while strengthening long-term neighborhood resilience.
Our Wellness Pillar Strategies include:
- Provide year-round, affordable outdoor family activities, especially in BIPOC communities.
- Support efforts for residents to connect with and get to know their neighbors through regular alley or block parties.
- Support existing or emerging programs that offer healthy food kits for families and residents.
- Support the development and maintenance of an East Side Farmers Market.
- Provide access to affordable health club memberships or classes.
- Explore the development of an East Side Cultural Wellness Center.
- Support women moving from crisis to self-sufficiency.
Through strategic partnerships, innovation, and resident-informed solutions, Rooted Philanthropic is helping create an East Side where wellness is accessible, sustainable, and deeply rooted in community.
If your work aligns with any of these strategies, please feel free to submit some information to us through our Mini Letter of Inquiry form on our Grantmaking page and our Program Officer will be in touch with you.
You may also contact Felicia Henderson, Program Officer Wellness, directly at [email protected] or 651-728-7045.