• A Vision Rooted in Love

Ru’s Roots Foundation was born from a vision planted long before it had a name.

More than a decade ago, during a season of prayer and reflection, a seed was placed on founder Hanna Garst’s heart – a calling to create a space where individuals of all abilities could grow stronger, more confident, and deeply connected to community. At the time, it felt distant. Life was full. The timing wasn’t right.

But the seed never left.

As Hanna and her husband Dallas built their family, that quiet vision remained – waiting.

In June 2023, their daughter Ruthie “Ru” Marissa Garst was born. Just weeks later, they experienced her unimaginable loss. In the midst of grief, heartbreak, and rebuilding, something unexpected happened: clarity.

The vision that had been planted years before began to take shape.

Turning Grief Into Purpose

Through prayer, community, and a renewed sense of calling, Hanna and Dallas realized that Ru’s legacy would not be defined by loss – but by impact.

Ru’s Roots Foundation was established to honor Ruthie’s life by creating opportunities for others to thrive.

What began as a personal calling has become a community mission:

To ensure individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities have access to adaptive fitness programs that build strength, confidence, independence, and belonging.

We believe movement is powerful.
We believe community changes lives.
We believe everyone deserves access.

The Roots We’re Growing

Ru’s Roots Foundation exists to remove barriers – financial, physical, and social – that too often prevent individuals with disabilities from participating in fitness and wellness programs.

Every program we offer is:

  • Inclusive and personalized
  • Designed for all ability levels
  • Completely free of charge
  • Powered entirely by volunteers and supporters

What started as a seed has grown into a movement rooted in compassion, resilience, and purpose.

And we’re just getting started.

Join the Movement

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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.