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From Service to Healing: Our Roots Run Deep
“For veterans, the journey doesn’t end with service—it continues in the peace, purpose, and connection found through caring for the land and one another.”
– John Vargas, Founder
Our Story
At Vital Roots Foundation, our journey began with a simple belief: healing grows when it’s nurtured by nature and community. Founded to address the unique challenges veterans face after military service, we offer a path to renewal through hands-on gardening, sustainable practices, and peer support.
Many veterans struggle with isolation, mental health, and finding a sense of purpose after service. Our work is inspired by the power of nature to transform lives—providing not only a space to heal but also the skills and connections to thrive.
We are grounded in the principles of permaculture, which teach us to work with the land, not against it. Just as gardens grow stronger with care, veterans rebuild their lives through meaningful work, shared experiences, and the strength of a supportive community.
Every garden we plant and every skill we teach is rooted in one mission: to empower veterans to heal, grow, and lead resilient lives.
10,000
Lives Touched
Every Hand Helps Us Grow
500
Volunteers
Uniting Hearts and Actions
250
Projects Completed
Milestones of Hope and Change
Our Mission
Vital Roots Foundation is dedicated to fostering healing, purpose, and community connection for U.S. veterans. Through horticulture therapy, permaculture education, and peer support, we aim to prevent veteran suicide and provide pathways to wellness.
Our mission is built on three core values:
Healing Through Nature: Using gardening and sustainable practices to restore mental and physical well-being.
Building Community: Connecting veterans through peer-led programs that reduce isolation and foster camaraderie.
Empowering Growth: Teaching skills that transform lives and create opportunities for leadership and resilience.
Together, we are creating a future where veterans thrive—connected to themselves, their communities, and the environment.
Success Stories
At Vital Roots Foundation, our history is still being written—one garden, one connection, and one veteran at a time.
Each day, we see the seeds of hope being planted as veterans rediscover their purpose through horticulture therapy, permaculture, and peer support. While the impact is growing, the full story of what we can achieve together is yet to unfold.
The work we do is more than planting gardens; it’s cultivating resilience and creating opportunities for veterans to lead thriving, fulfilling lives. With your support, these success stories will continue to grow.
Snapshots of Connection
Thank You to Our Supporters
At Vital Roots Foundation, we are grateful for the generous individuals, businesses, and organizations that believe in our mission and make our work possible. Together, we are planting seeds of resilience, healing, and growth for veterans and their communities.
Would you like to join our growing community of supporters? Your contribution can make a lasting difference. Contact us at vitalrootsfoundation@gmail.com to learn how.