Rooted in Purpose
Driven by Impact
Rooted Legacy Project (RLP) is committed to creating meaningful change by addressing the root causes that affect individuals, families, and communities. Our work centers on empowerment, prevention, and opportunity, ensuring that every program we deliver is intentional, community informed, and results focused. Because we come from the communities we serve, our work is trusted, culturally responsive, and grounded in authentic relationships that drive lasting impact.
Our Mission, Cause
& Vision…
We are led by individuals with lived experience in communities that have long lacked consistent access to resources, opportunity, and support, and exists to strengthen individuals, families, and neighborhoods through practical education, workforce and entrepreneurship support, youth development, and family centered services. Through community based programming, mentorship, and trusted partnerships, we help people build skills, access opportunities, and create sustainable pathways to stability, economic mobility, and long term success within the communities we call home.
Real, Dependable
Change…
We are trusted in Chicago because our work reflects the realities of these cities and the communities most impacted by violence. Our leadership and staff bring direct experience navigating both law enforcement systems and community based prevention efforts, allowing us to coordinate effectively with police departments, schools, community organizations, and local government partners.
At RLP, we build trust through consistent presence, follow through on commitments, and respectful engagement with residents, outreach workers, and youth. Our programs are informed by trauma responsive practices, local data, and neighborhood level needs, and we deliver clear results that partners and municipalities can track.
Our Programs
& Services
Youth Development
& Mentoring
We support youth through mentoring, leadership development, life skills education, and positive enrichment opportunities that build confidence, resilience, and purpose. Our programs focus on academic support, social emotional learning, and positive decision making to help young people thrive.
Violence Intervention
& Prevention
Our violence prevention initiatives center on trauma informed care, community outreach, conflict mediation, and healing centered engagement. We work alongside residents, partners, and local stakeholders to reduce harm, interrupt cycles of violence, and promote safety and restoration. By addressing root causes and investing in people, we create lasting community change that benefits families, neighborhoods, and future generations.
Job Training
& Skills Building
We provide workforce readiness and job training programs that prepare participants for sustainable employment. Through skills development, career exploration, and employment pathways, we help individuals gain the tools needed to secure meaningful work and achieve economic stability.
“Rooted Legacy Project was created to address the root causes that hold our communities back and to build pathways that allow our youth and families to thrive. Real change happens when prevention, opportunity, and healing come together, and that is the legacy we are committed to leaving.”
— Meshay Owens, Founder & President of RLP
Resources aligned with the true needs of the communities we serve…
We collaborate with local organizations, schools, workforce partners, and community stakeholders to expand reach and maximize resources. These partnerships strengthen service delivery and create coordinated pathways to opportunity. Our programs are grounded in trauma informed practices that recognize the impact of violence, instability, and systemic barriers on individuals and families.
We fill a critical gap for families and youth who lack access to consistent mentorship and clear pathways to long-term success. Many communities face limited resources and few opportunities that honor lived experience, while building practical skills for leadership and economic stability…
Meet Our President…
Meshay Owens
Founder
Ms. Owens is the Founder and President of Rooted Legacy Project, NFP, bringing a unique blend of retired Chicago Police Officer experience and community centered prevention leadership. She was also a Co-Founder of Urban Roots Alliance, NFP, where she formerly served as Vice President and Treasurer and played a key role in the organization’s formation, early operations, and long term sustainability. In this leadership capacity, she supported trauma informed, violence reduction, and prevention focused programming in high need communities and contributed directly to multiple awarded grants totaling nearly $2M, including Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Reimagine Public Safety Act (RPSA) and Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) violence prevention initiatives.
RLP Board Members
Jarell Owens, Vice-President
Growing up on Chicago’s South Side shaped my work ethic, resilience, and belief in perseverance. I began working young, learning responsibility, consistency, and pride in honest work. My career spans more than a decade in communications and development, with 5 years as a Plant Manager overseeing solar panel production for industrial and residential use, strengthening my operational leadership and commitment to sustainability and results. Now as Vice President of Root Legacy, I support executive decision making, oversee strategic initiatives, and help align operations with organizational values. As a proud parent of 2, I am driven by faith, purpose, and a commitment to building strong systems that create lasting impact.
Shannon Jackson,
Secretary
Shannon Jackson serves as Secretary of Rooted Legacy Project, bringing lived experience and advocacy shaped by her journey as a Black woman and mother of 5. She is a Certified Community Health Worker with over 25 years of customer service experience, including roles with Apple and U.S. Bank, and 5 years as an Executive Assistant with Metro Valley Insurance. While raising her children in predominantly white communities, she witnessed systemic bias affecting her Black sons, motivating her lifelong advocacy. Through volunteerism with Shop with a Cop, the Salvation Army, and work with Black Lives Matter, Shannon remains committed to advancing equity, challenging injustice, and supporting disenfranchised families.
