Rooted Hearts Ministries Inc

Rooted Hearts Ministries Inc is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families and caregivers of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The organization is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Founding and Mission

Rooted Hearts Ministries was founded by Andrew and Jomaira Ortiz, who drew from their personal experience with their son's autism diagnosis. They recognized the challenges many families face in navigating services and therapies after a diagnosis. The mission of Rooted Hearts is to provide support through community, education, and resources, aiming to reduce the time gap between diagnosis and the initiation of therapeutic services.

Programs and Initiatives

One of the key initiatives of Rooted Hearts is the Autism Toolbox Project. This involves creating curated gift boxes filled with toys and gadgets designed to promote language development, fine and gross motor skills, and healthy sensory integration. These toolboxes are provided at no cost to families of newly diagnosed children, regardless of income.

In addition to the Autism Toolbox Project, Rooted Hearts offers community events and educational opportunities to help families connect and access resources. The organization collaborates with schools, faith-based organizations, physicians, and other service providers to assist families navigating an autism diagnosis.

Values

Rooted Hearts Ministries operates under several core values:

• Acceptance: Promoting a culture where individuals on the autism spectrum are valued and respected.
• Faith: Inspired by spiritual principles, the founders attribute their strength and resilience to their faith.
• Community: Building safe spaces for families to connect and support each other.
• Education: Empowering families through educational resources to reduce fears and misconceptions about autism.

Impact

Throughout the United States, families often wait 6 to 12 months for therapy to begin after receiving an ASD diagnosis. Rooted Hearts aims to bridge this gap by empowering caregivers with knowledge and community connections, ensuring timely and comprehensive support for autistic children and their families. The organization seeks to create a world where all families can access needed support without delay or denial due to lack of information, income, service availability, or cultural acceptance.