The mission of Ru’s Roots Foundation is to create a safe, inclusive environment for people with all types of disabilities to learn new skills through personalized exercise programming. We make fitness accessible, empowering, and fun for all.
100% of our programs are free because of volunteers and supporters like you.
We are the Garst family, and although Ru’s Roots may seem new, the vision was planted in Hanna’s heart over a decade ago during a time of prayer.
Life moved forward – we married, built our family, and welcomed Bodhi, Frankie, and finally our rainbow baby, Ruthie Marissa, in June 2023. Just weeks later, on July 17, Ruthie suffered a cerebral hemorrhage, and after saying goodbye, we lost her and chose to donate her heart to another infant. In the blur of grief that followed, our marriage and faith were deeply tested, but at a couples retreat months later, God brought that long-ago vision back to the surface and made it clear: it was time.
Through unimaginable loss, we have come to believe we are still called – called to build a legacy for our girl through Ru’s Roots Foundation. Looking back, we can see how every step, every relationship, and every season was preparing the soil. The seed planted years ago now has roots.
Ru’s Roots Foundation exists to ensure everyone, regardless of physical or intellectual ability, has the opportunity to grow strength, build confidence, and connect with community in a supportive environment.
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Ru’s Roots Foundation is a nonprofit corporation.
Our tax ID number is: 33-1870059.
100% of your donations go directly to the building costs of the future Ru’s Roots adaptive facility. All contributions are tax deductible to the extent as allowed by the law.