HEALING THE ROOTS FOUNDATION
"EMPOWERING CHILDREN TO THRIVE BEYOND ADVERSITY"
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Planting the seeds of resilience, one child, one family, and one community at a time.
HEALING THE ROOTS FOUNDATION
About Us
Mission & Vision
Nurturing children with the support they need to grow, thrive, and succeed.
Mission
At Healing the Roots Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we empower children and families to thrive beyond adversity by nurturing emotional well-being and teaching practical coping tools for life’s challenges.
Through our partnership with Resilient Reads LLC, the creator of Nina’s Coping Toolbox, we bring evidence-based social-emotional learning (SEL) and mindfulness practices to homes, classrooms, and community programs across North Carolina and beyond.
We strengthen the roots of resilience by providing access to the Nina’s Coping Toolbox E-Learning Curriculum and Simple Quiet Space Development Support to schools, families, and community organizations that demonstrate financial need. These tools help children develop SEL skills, manage emotions, and grow in environments that promote calm, connection, and confidence.
Vision
Our vision is a community where every child feels seen, supported, capable, and confident. Strong roots nurture resilient and compassionate growth.
We believe that when children are nurtured with care and consistency, they develop the strength to face challenges, the courage to grow, and the confidence to thrive in school and in life. By helping children and families strengthen their roots, we are planting the seeds for a brighter and more connected future.
While we cannot shield children from every challenge, we can ensure they are supported and equipped with the tools to grow into confident and resilient individuals.
Join Us in Uplifting Children in North Carolina
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Together, we can strengthen the roots that help children grow and thrive.
Your support provides access to social-emotional learning tools, simple calming spaces, and resilience-building programs that empower children and families throughout North Carolina. Free access is available for qualifying partners with financial need.
You can make a difference by:
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Volunteering your skills in program support, outreach, or community events.
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Partnering with us to bring SEL, coping tools, and quiet space development into schools and organizations.
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Donating to help expand access to programs that nurture emotional growth, confidence, and connection.
Every contribution helps children develop the strong emotional roots they need to stand tall and succeed. 🌿
Meet the Team
Meet the compassionate leaders who guide Healing the Roots Foundation with dedication, purpose, and love for the children and families we serve.
Portia Mills Henderson
Founder, President,
and Executive Director
Hello, I’m Portia. My life’s journey has been shaped by profound challenges that inspired my passion for helping children heal and thrive. In 2023, I founded Healing the Roots Foundation to support children who have experienced adversity and to provide families and educators with meaningful emotional-wellness tools. Alongside my nonprofit work, I am the owner of Resilient Reads LLC, a publishing and educational company that creates SEL books and e-learning programs for children, teens, and adults. Resilient Reads helps fund our mission by providing free access to coping tools, mindfulness resources, and quiet-space supports for families and community partners in need. I hold a Master of Education in Social-Emotional Learning, Mindfulness, and Yoga, and I am also a Certified Breathe For Change Facilitator, trained in mindfulness, social-emotional learning, and yoga for educators. In addition, I am certified in Adult Mental Health First Aid, which strengthens my work with children, families, and educators through a trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach. Outside of my professional work, I am a wife, a mother of three, and a proud United States Navy veteran. My personal journey with trauma, healing, motherhood, and service deeply influences the heart and purpose behind everything I create. 🌱 Together, we are planting the seeds of resilience — one child, one family, and one community at a time.
Ray Henderson Jr.
Marketing Director
Ray Jr. is committed to assisting children in elevating their mental state through the power of positive thinking, and breaking free from mental bondage. As our Marketing Director, he utilizes his marketing skills to bring attention to the need for this cause and raise awareness. Having experienced firsthand the challenges of obtaining mental health support, Mr. Henderson is dedicated to making it easier for others to access the resources they need. We believe that mental health should be a priority for all individuals, regardless of their background. Our foundation, Healing the Roots, is dedicated to empowering individuals from all walks of life to access the resources and support they need to thrive.
Rachel Weathers Creecy
Board Member, Secretary,
Human Resource Director
Mrs. Weathers, holds a Masters Degree in Human Resource Management Technology and serves as both Secretary and Human Resource professional. With exceptional skills in administration and legal compliance, she fosters a positive workplace culture that engages employees and promotes retention. Mrs. Weathers is a versatile and valuable asset to our organization.
John Peoples
Board Member, Treasurer,
Finance Director
Mr. Peoples, the owner of Peoples Tax Service Inc., brings a wealth of expertise to our organization. With a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and associate degrees in Marketing and Management, Mr. Peoples has extensive experience in tax and accounting services. Since 1982, Peoples Tax Service Inc. has proudly served Spartanburg County, providing him with deep knowledge in financial management. As a Board Member, Treasurer, and Finance Director, Mr. Peoples plays a crucial role in overseeing our organization’s finances. He ensures proper financial management and accountability, helping to safeguard the integrity of our financial operations.
Bernard Davis
Nonprofit Development Advisor
Mr. Davis, holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in Healthcare Management. He is the President and CEO of RAO. Mr. Davis will serve as our organization's Counsel. He will provide guidance and support as we work to improve trauma-related symptoms in children to enhance their daily functioning and learning experience. With his experience in leading a nonprofit and expertise in navigating nonprofit rules and regulations, we are excited to have his support in advancing our shared goals.
Angela Middleton
Mental Health Advisor
We are honored to have Mrs. Middleton, a highly qualified and experienced mental health professional, as our Mental Health Advisor. With a Master's Degree in Counseling and over 20 years of experience as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, her expertise will be invaluable in supporting our mission and those we serve.