Our Story

One Root Collective was created from a simple but deeply personal belief: every young person and family deserves to feel seen, supported, safe, and valued.

Growing up in Champaign-Urbana, I saw both the beauty and the challenges within our community. I saw incredible resilience, creativity, and care… but I also saw families struggling to access support, young people carrying invisible burdens, and neurodivergent children being misunderstood instead of embraced.

As an educator, mentor, and community member, I continued seeing the same gaps appear across schools, homes, and community spaces. Many youth and families needed more than one type of support. They needed spaces that understood the whole person. Academically, emotionally, socially, and culturally.

One Root Collective was created to help fill those gaps through accessible, community-rooted programs centered around healing, belonging, wellness, leadership, connection, and growth.

The name “One Root” represents the belief that although our experiences may look different, we are all connected. When we invest in one young person, one family, or one community space, the impact spreads outward and strengthens the entire community.

We are building spaces where youth can feel empowered, families can feel supported, and people can grow together.

-Marina Taylor, Founder

Who We Are

  • One Root Collective exists to empower youth and families through accessible, community-centered programs rooted in belonging, healing, wellness, leadership, and connection.

    We provide neurodiversity-affirming, culturally responsive, and relationship-centered support through workshops, mentorship, wellness experiences, leadership opportunities, academic support, family programming, and community events.

    Our mission is to create spaces where people feel safe to grow, supported in who they are, and connected to a stronger community.

  • Our Long-Term Vision

    We envision a Champaign-Urbana community where every child, family, and community member has access to support systems rooted in compassion, belonging, and opportunity.

    A future where:

    • Neurodivergent youth are celebrated

    • Families feel connected and supported

    • Wellness is accessible to everyone

    • Young people are empowered to lead and advocate

    • Communities prioritize healing and prevention

    • Every person feels like they belong

    Our long-term goal is to create sustainable community spaces, programs, and partnerships that support the whole person and strengthen the community for generations to come.

  • Belonging

    Every person deserves spaces where they feel welcomed, valued, and respected.

    Healing

    We believe healing happens through connection, support, compassion, and community care.

    Equity & Accessibility

    Support should be accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the diverse experiences of youth and families.

    Community

    Strong communities are built through relationships, collaboration, and shared responsibility.

    Empowerment

    We help young people and families recognize their strengths, voices, and potential.

    Growth

    We believe growth is lifelong, and everyone deserves opportunities to learn, heal, and thrive.

Contact us

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!