Co-founders and longtime friends, Katie Casey and Sarah Todd, started Well Rooted after their own experience as foster parents. They quickly saw firsthand the lack of support available and understood why 50% of foster parents quit within the first year. Without the help of their own close community, they knew they could have easily become part of that statistic.

Wanting to make sure others stepping into foster care had the support they needed, they began working through another nonprofit to deliver meals to foster families in Delaware County receiving new placements. Although a small gesture, this was meant not only to take something off of their plate but to let them know that they are seen. This work soon connected them with reunifying families and young adults aging out of foster care, where they saw the same gap in support.

After listening to story after story, Katie and Sarah realized something had to change—and that no one else was stepping up to meet this need. From that conviction, Well Rooted was born. The immediate response made it clear: the need was not only real, but urgent and widespread.

As an organization, Well Rooted’s goal is always to help those affected by the foster system establish roots. It is through the support of personal relationships that we are able to become well rooted.

In addition to leading Well Rooted, Katie and Sarah remain active foster parents while raising their biological, adopted, and foster children.