Celebrating Roots

Since 2014, Celebrating Roots has been dedicated to breaking down barriers and building bridges for East African youth in South Seattle. Founded by a Somali refugee, our nonprofit understands the unique challenges faced by our community. Our mission is clear: to provide essential developmental programs while dismantling the distrust that has historically kept East African youth from accessing crucial services. A 2016 study on violence prevention by the UW School of Public Health revealed that many East African families were hesitant to engage with programs due to a perceived disconnect from their cultural needs. At Celebrating Roots, we turn this challenge into our strength. Our team, made up of individuals who reflect and come from the communities we serve, uses their deep cultural and linguistic understanding to create meaningful connections and foster trust. We are not just a service provider; we are a trusted ally and advocate for our youth and their families.