Rooted in Purpose
Driven by Impact
Rooted Legacy Project is committed to creating meaningful change by addressing the root causes that affect individuals, families, and communities. Our work centers on empowerment, prevention, and opportunity, ensuring that every program we deliver is intentional, community informed, and results focused. Because we come from the communities we serve, our work is trusted, culturally responsive, and grounded in authentic relationships that drive lasting impact.
Our Mission
We are led by individuals who come from neighborhoods that have long lacked access to consistent resources, opportunity, and support. Our mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities by providing practical education, workforce and entrepreneurship support, youth development, and family centered services that address real needs on the ground. Through community based programming, mentorship, and trusted partnerships, we help people build skills, access opportunities, and create sustainable pathways to stability and long term success within the communities we call home.
Changing Communities
For the Better…
Rooted Legacy Project, NFP (RLP) is a community driven nonprofit organization dedicated to building safer, stronger, and more resilient communities in Chicago and Minneapolis. We are rooted in prevention, empowerment, and opportunity, with a deep commitment to supporting youth and families in neighborhoods most impacted by violence, economic instability, and limited access to resources. Our work focuses on addressing root causes, not just symptoms, and creating pathways to long term stability and success.
Our Programs & Services
Youth Development
& Mentoring
We support youth through mentoring, leadership development, life skills education, and positive enrichment opportunities that build confidence, resilience, and purpose. Our programs focus on academic support, social emotional learning, and positive decision making to help young people thrive.
Violence Intervention
& Prevention
Our violence prevention initiatives center on trauma informed care, community outreach, conflict mediation, and healing centered engagement. We work alongside residents, partners, and local stakeholders to reduce harm, interrupt cycles of violence, and promote safety and restoration. By addressing root causes and investing in people, we create lasting community change that benefits families, neighborhoods, and future generations.
Job Training
& Skills Building
We provide workforce readiness and job training programs that prepare participants for sustainable employment. Through skills development, career exploration, and employment pathways, we help individuals gain the tools needed to secure meaningful work and achieve economic stability.
“Rooted Legacy Project was created to address the root causes that hold our communities back and to build pathways that allow our youth and families to thrive. Real change happens when prevention, opportunity, and healing come together, and that is the legacy we are committed to leaving.”
— Meshay Owens, Founder & President of RLP
Resources aligned with the real needs of the communities we serve…
We collaborate with local organizations, schools, workforce partners, and community stakeholders to expand reach and maximize resources. These partnerships strengthen service delivery and create coordinated pathways to opportunity. Our programs are grounded in trauma informed practices that recognize the impact of violence, instability, and systemic barriers on individuals and families.
We fill a critical gap for families and youth who lack access to consistent mentorship and clear pathways to long term success. Many communities face limited resources, fragmented services, and few opportunities that honor lived experience while building practical skills for education, leadership, and economic stability…
Meet Our President
Meshay Owens
President
Ms. Owens is the Founder and President of Rooted Legacy Project, NFP, bringing a unique blend of retired Chicago Police Officer experience and community centered prevention leadership. She was also a Co-Founder of Urban Roots Alliance, NFP, where she formerly served as Vice President and Treasurer and played a key role in the organization’s formation, early operations, and long term sustainability. In this leadership capacity, she supported trauma informed, violence reduction, and prevention focused programming in high need communities and contributed directly to multiple awarded grants totaling nearly $2M, including Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Reimagine Public Safety Act (RPSA) and Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) violence prevention initiatives.