Roots To Wings Inc
About Roots To Wings Inc
Roots To Wings gives people living with disabilities a place to show up, pitch in, and be counted on. In the store, in the kitchen, and through hands-on projects, Farmers take on daily responsibilities that build teamwork, camaraderie, and life skills. It is practical in the best way: the work is real, and so is the confidence it can build.
What stands out here is how local and hands-on it is. Farmers are not just observing, they are running the cash register, making goods for sale, and taking part in store, garden, and production work that gives the day structure and purpose.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Farmers program
A program for people living with disabilities, called Farmers, who apply, are screened, and participate in activities that support their personal goals.
Roots to Wings Store
A store where Farmers run the cash register, make goods to sell, and support local artisans and consignors.
Food production and sales
Production and sale of aronia berry jellies, frozen berries, seasoned and dessert tortilla chips, homemade breads, ice cream, homemade pies, and dry mixes for dips and rubs.
Gardening and fresh produce
Clean homegrown vegetable gardening and fresh vegetables offered during July through October.
Handmade goods and crafts
Useful and decorative items, creative artwork, furniture refinishing, and diverse sewing projects made for sale.
Farmers Market at the Arlington Vet's Club
A weekly Wednesday night market during Hamburger Night that features fresh vegetables and related products.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
Provide authentic life experiences for individuals living with a disability through employment opportunities that build teamwork, camaraderie, and life skills.
Who they serve
People living with disabilities in the Arlington community, called Farmers.
Their impact
- Volunteers have contributed almost 5,000 hours of time to Roots to Wings.
- The Roots to Wings Store supports over 40 consignors.
How your donation helps
- Support employment opportunities for Farmers
- Fund hands-on learning and life-skills activities
- Provide materials and supplies for food production, gardening, crafts, and store sales
Our story
Roots To Wings was established in 2019 in Arlington as a community-based nonprofit for people living with disabilities. From the start, its focus has been simple and grounded, creating employment opportunities and life-skills experiences for local Farmers.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Roots To Wings Inc’s services.
People interested in becoming Farmers may apply to the program. Applicants are screened to make sure their goals are a good fit, and accepted Farmers take on responsibilities such as running the cash register, making goods to sell, and building skills toward specific personal goals.
Events
Bingo Night for a Cause
February 13, 2026A 21+ bingo event at the Arlington Auditorium with prizes, a meat raffle, food for purchase, and BYOB, supporting Farmers with life skills, independence, and hands-on learning opportunities.
Spring Open House
March 14An open house scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on March 14, with purchases supporting the mission.
Farmers Market at the Arlington Vet's Club Hamburger Night
Weekly Wednesday nights, July through OctoberFresh vegetables are available during weekly Wednesday night Hamburger Night from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in July through October.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Roots To Wings Inc has shared.
Current needs
- Hot glue gun glue sticks
- Dawn dish soap
- 13 gallon garbage bags
- paper towels
- toilet paper
- flour
- sugar
- salt
- brown sugar
- Large containers of spices such as dill, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, minced onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, cinnamon, oregano, onion flakes, parsley, and chili powder
Volunteer opportunities
- Volunteer in the Roots to Wings Store
- Share professional expertise with Farmers as a business professional or community volunteer
- Help with events and fundraisers
- Become a consignor or support the store's local artisan offerings
Recognition & press
In the media
- WOWT, "Knicely Done, Enriching Young Lives In Transition"
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
How does someone become a Farmer at Roots To Wings?
They apply, go through screening, and are accepted when their goals fit what Roots To Wings can help them work toward.
What do Farmers do once they are accepted?
They take on real responsibilities, like running the cash register, making goods to sell, and working on skills tied to their personal goals.
What kinds of items are made and sold?
Roots To Wings sells items like aronia berry jellies, frozen berries, tortilla chips, homemade breads, ice cream, homemade pies, dry mixes, crafts, furniture refinishing projects, and sewing items.
How can volunteers help?
Volunteers can help in the store, share what they know with Farmers, and support events and fundraisers.
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