A story about love and dedication in the face of adversity

The journey of Root of Rose Community Development Inc began decades ago, in February 1976, coinciding with the start of my own life story. Born to a teenage mother who had already grappled with the challenges of the foster care system, I, too, found myself swept into its complexities. Thankfully, I was welcomed into the Lowe family and became a cherished household member. My mother, Valerie Lowe, and my father, L.C. Lowe, epitomized a commitment to nurturing children in foster care, opening their hearts and homes to numerous foster children.

Discovering my adoption at the age of nine, I began to unravel the truth about my biological family. Despite the initial shock, I couldn't reconcile my loving upbringing with the stereotypes surrounding adoption. As I matured into a mother myself, I learned the full extent of my birth mother's struggles, marked by abusive relationships and emotional turmoil. Tragically, her life was cut short by the heinous acts of infamous serial killers. Amidst her tragic end, she left behind a heartfelt letter, a testament to her enduring love for me and my birth siblings.

In memory of both my birth mother and my beloved mother, Valerie Lowe, who succumbed to cancer, I founded this nonprofit organization. My mission is to bridge the financial gaps and address the daily struggles within the foster care system, aiming to break the cycle of abuse, separation, and abandonment that too often plague foster children. The organization's namesake, Roots of Rose, my niece born into the system, inspired my advocacy for her and ignited a deeper awareness of the challenges my mothers sought to alleviate.

With the spirit of both my mothers’ guiding me and the future of Shaniya in mind, I am fiercely committed to providing children with the love and support they deserve. It is my fervent belief that through such nurturing, they can embark on paths toward happiness, success, and well-being.