Our Story
Roots of Resilience was founded in 2024 with a simple yet powerful mission: to empower individuals and families in Newfoundland and Labrador facing life's toughest challenges. What began as a small initiative in St. John’s is growing into a comprehensive support network, which has the potential to reach communities all across the province.
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Our founders, driven by a shared passion for social justice and community care, recognized a gap in the services available to those dealing with issues such as intimate partner violence, mental health struggles, and financial instability. They believed that everyone deserves access to compassionate, barrier-free support, and thus, Roots of Resilience was born.
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We have expanded our services to include legal services, mental health counseling, child protection support, and much more. Our holistic approach ensures that we address not just the immediate needs of our clients, but also their long-term well-being.
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We are proud to have built a strong community of support, where individuals and families can find the resources, guidance, and encouragement they need to rebuild their lives.
Our Goals
Spread empathy
through education
Expand Legal Services & Court Support Services
Increase Mental Health & Addictions Counselling Availability
Strengthen Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Support Program
Increase Volunteer Engagement & Community Partnerships
Mission & Vision
At Roots of Resilience, our mission is to provide comprehensive, barrier-free therapeutic counseling services, system navigation, life skills development, and a continuum of care to ensure every person we serve can thrive in all aspects of life. We are committed to empowering individuals and families by offering support that is holistic, compassionate, and tailored to their unique needs.
Our vision is a community where every individual and family, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to achieve growth, health, and well-being. We strive to create a world where resilience is nurtured, challenges are met with courage, and no one is left behind. Through our dedicated services, we aim to break the cycles of violence, poverty, and injustice, creating a stronger, more supportive community for all.
Core Values
Our core values are the foundation of everything we do at Roots of Resilience. These guiding principles shape our approach to service delivery, community engagement, and organizational development.
Empathy
We approach every individual with understanding and compassion, recognizing the unique challenges they face.
Integrity
We operate with honesty and transparency, ensuring that our actions are always aligned with our mission and ethical standards.
Inclusivity
We believe that everyone deserves access to support, regardless of their background, identity, or circumstances.
Collaboration
We work together with our clients, partners, and the broader community to create solutions that are sustainable and impactful.
Empowerment
We strive to empower individuals and families to take control of their lives and achieve their fullest potential.
Compassion
​We offer our services with kindness, recognizing the humanity in every person we serve.
Accountability
We hold ourselves accountable to our clients, our community, and our supporters, ensuring that we deliver on our promises and make a meaningful difference.
Innovation
We are committed to finding new and effective ways to address the needs of our community, adapting to the changing landscape of social services.to support, regardless of their background, identity, or circumstances.
Leadership Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
At Roots of Resilience, our leadership team consists of passionate co-founders who bring a diverse range of expertise and a deep commitment to our mission.
Together, they have built a strong foundation for the organization, guiding its growth and ensuring its impact across Newfoundland and Labrador.
Meet Our Team
Get to know the dedicated individuals who empower our mission forward at rootsofresiliencenl.org. Our team is led by Valerie Barter, Co-Founder and Executive Director.
Valerie Barter, Co-Founder
Experienced Leader
As the Co-Founder of rootsofresiliencenl.org, Valerie Barter plays a pivotal role in shaping the organization's strategic direction and ensuring its impact on communities across Newfoundland and Labrador.
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In her role as Executive Director, Valerie Barter leads with compassion and determination, empowering the team towards achieving our mission of promoting resilience and well-being in the region.
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Valerie Barter's commitment to being a Community Builder and Passionate Advocate for mental health and well-being is evident in her work and dedication to empowering individuals and communities.
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Learn more
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Riley Moss, Co-Founder
Passionate Advocate
Riley Moss is a co-founder and the Director of Legal Services at Roots of Resilience, where she specializes in providing essential legal support and advocacy for those facing legal challenges.
With a strong background in family law, particularly in child protection, Riley is dedicated to social justice and ensuring that marginalized individuals receive the guidance they need.
Her commitment to expanding legal services has been vital in helping clients navigate complex legal systems and protect their rights.
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Jeannie Piercey, Co-Founder
Community Builder
Jeannie Piercey, is a co-founder and serves as the Director of Programs at Roots of Resilience, playing a vital role in overseeing the comprehensive delivery of all services provided by the organization.
With an impressive background that spans over 25 years in the fields of social work and community development, she is committed to ensuring that the programs offered are not only effective but also responsive to the unique needs of the community.
Jeannie’s extensive expertise in crisis intervention and program development is crucial in shaping the holistic support that Roots of Resilience delivers to individuals and families facing challenges, helping them navigate their circumstances with care and compassion.
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