FEATURED NONPROFIT
Birth Roots
Birth Roots supports the community by supporting families. They provide community-based education and resources from pregnancy through early parenting. Birth Roots does not support any one kind of care but embrace a diversity of approaches. They support parents’ intuition and instincts and help them to find their way.
The Deeper the Roots…
Located in a cozy, garden apartment on State Street, their favorite quote is painted on the wall: “The deeper the roots, the higher the reach.” Through prenatal classes and postnatal community-building, the organization seeks to strengthen families at a crucial time in a child’s development.
It was very important for founders Leah Deragon and Emily Murray to build a welcoming physical space where families could gather and support each other. They began fifteen years ago, and at the time they noticed an alarming trend. Parents were becoming more isolated than ever. As Leah says, “They would google everything,” and some of what the parents would find was making them anxious. Instead, Birth Roots would be a physical place geared towards building deep roots.
The best way to build those roots are what Leah and Emily call “flocks.” Consider, after fifteen years their first flock, or group of parents, are still supporting each other. Leah sees the safety and connection that the flocks have built over the years and wonders if it isn’t the organization’s greatest success.
Fun Events for All
Additionally, Birth Roots holds fun events for the whole community. These events help parents with toddlers break free of the isolation that can come with caring for young children. For instance, they organize the Pollinator Parade in May with the Maine Audubon, where children and parents don the wings of bees and butterflies and enjoy a parade and picnic.
Coming up later in the year is the Little Monsters Ball on October 27th, 2018. This “fall festival for the youngest among us” provides an opportunity for younger children to enjoy Halloween.
Birth Roots Guide
Also, they print the Birth Roots Guide, an extensive directory with local resources for pregnancy to parenthood. Contact Birth Roots to get your copy or to inquire about listing your business.
Birth Roots offers fee for service and free drop-in classes. Also they offer scholarships. For more information on events, classes, or to support Birth Roots, visit https://www.birthroots.org.
