Creating Strong Foundations In Southern Utah: Root For Kids’ Mission Of Nurturing Families
Root For Kids, a Southern Utah-based organization, supports families with children aged zero to five by providing free home-visiting services tailored to their needs. Family Support Specialists Whitney Allan and Jessica Fisher joined us on the radio to share their mission of nurturing strong beginnings.
“Our motto is nurturing strong and helping them grow,” Allan explained. “We see it like a plant—helping children grow by supporting families and creating a flourishing foundation.”
Root For Kids operates primarily in Iron and Washington Counties, with outreach to areas like Colorado City and San Juan County. The program is funded through a TANF grant, allowing services to remain free for eligible families, including those in precarious living conditions.
Fisher detailed their three-part home visit process: “We focus on parent-child interaction, development-centered parenting, and family well-being. It’s about strengthening bonds, addressing developmental concerns, and ensuring every family member’s health and well-being.”
The specialists shared stories of diverse family situations they encounter. “We’ve seen homes that could be in a catalog but struggle with discipline, and others with urgent needs like diapers or safe sleeping arrangements,” Fisher said. “We meet families where they’re at and help them move forward.”
Root For Kids also collaborates with local agencies to connect families to vital resources such as housing, food, and healthcare. “We’ve helped families through partnerships with the Care and Share food pantry and the Homeless Council,” Fisher added.
For Allan and Fisher, their roles are personal and fulfilling. “I saw a gap between childcare and school support for parents,” Allan said of her journey to the organization. Fisher emphasized the importance of early intervention: “Meeting kids earlier, in their formative years, builds a strong foundation and can prevent issues like substance abuse later.”
Root For Kids invites families to reach out through their website, rootforkids.org, to access support. “We don’t go in with an agenda,” Allan reassured. “We’re here to listen and help families achieve their goals.”
You can hear our entire discussion with the Root For Kids representatives in the podcast below.