ROOTED in Lewis County is set to celebrate its new name and new home with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 1.
Doors open at 4:30 p.m., the ceremony begins at 5 p.m., and networking continues until 6 p.m. Guests are invited to tour the new office spaces and meet members of the board and staff at 113 West Maple St. in Centralia.
Founded in 2022 as the Dignity Guild, the organization has faced early challenges but remains firmly committed to its original mission: championing social justice issues impacting marginalized communities. Rebranded as ROOTED in Lewis County, the organization is embracing a new identity while expanding its outreach, strengthening community partnerships, and placing education at the heart of its programs.
“Our goal is to promote cultural awareness in the county and bring people together so everyone feels a sense of belonging in the community,” Board President Michael Blessing said in a news release.
ROOTED is governed by a six-member volunteer board, all of whom live in Lewis County — some lifelong residents, others more recently rooted in the area. The organization is led by Executive Director Usha Sahadeva-Brooks and supported by Communications and Community Relations Director Lujan Rodriguez.
The name ROOTED reflects the organization’s values: resistance, outreach, opportunity, togetherness, equity and diversity.
Recent initiatives include supporting Juneteenth celebrations, co-hosting a Twin Cities Pride event in July, and launching an essay writing contest during Founders Day.
“The essay contest was won by a Centralia High School student Ceiana Arelong, who wrote an amazing piece,” Blessing said.
Looking ahead, ROOTED plans to launch cultural food events designed to bring community members together through shared meals and cross-cultural experiences in a welcoming space.
Although based in Centralia, ROOTED is committed to serving all of Lewis County and is actively seeking partners and volunteers to help grow its presence countywide.
Additional goals include:
• Providing opportunities for students to participate in essay writing and spoken word competitions that open doors to travel, expose them to diverse perspectives, and immerse them in new cultural experiences.
• Expanding the board to include residents from surrounding communities to strengthen representation and support program growth.
• Expanding inclusive literacy programs that foster inquiry-based learning, storytelling and academic support while reflecting diverse cultures and learning needs.
Those interested in volunteering or partnering with ROOTED in Lewis County are encouraged to reach out via email at contact@rootedinlc.org. For more information, visit www.rootedinlc.org.
