BMO Donates $1 Million To “Roots for Youth” Campaign Toward Funding for Young People’s Wellness Center

February 12, 2025 – Roots Community Health is thrilled to announce a major milestone in its “Roots for Youth” campaign. Bolstered by a transformational lead gift of $1 million from BMO, the campaign has now raised a total of $2 million toward its $3 million goal to fund a Young People’s Wellness Center (YPWC) in the 40 x 40 area of East Oakland.

“BMO’s remarkable support represents a vote of confidence in our mission to build a future where every young person has access to equitable, holistic healthcare,” said Noha Aboelata, MD, Roots’ Founding CEO. “We are deeply grateful for the leadership of BMO and all of our donors and partners supporting this vital campaign.”

“BMO is committed to strengthening the communities we serve, and our support for the Young People’s Wellness Center is an investment in Oakland’s future,” said Darrel Hackett, U.S. CEO, BMO. “We know that when our people and our communities thrive, our economies thrive, and we are proud to support Roots Community Health’s transformative work. BMO’s purpose to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life is focused on driving progress for our colleagues, customers, and the communities we serve – we are steadfast in our long-standing support for young people’s health and to making a positive impact on their lives.”

The YPWC will provide a wide range of services designed to address the physical, mental, and social health needs of children and teens. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a safe, inclusive space where young people and their families can access comprehensive care and supportive resources.

With $1 million left to raise, Roots Community Health is calling on community members, local businesses and philanthropic leaders to join this critical effort. Every contribution brings the organization closer to its goal of raising $3 million to facilitate groundbreaking on YPWC in April 2025.

“This campaign is about investing in the future of our community by ensuring every young person has the opportunity to achieve their goals,” said Dr. Aboelata. “We’re excited and humbled to have so many individuals and organizations coming together to join us in making this vision a reality.”

Roots Community Health invites everyone to be part of this historic initiative. To learn more about the campaign and how to contribute, please visit rootscommunityhealth.org.

About Roots Community Health: Roots Community Health is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the well-being of underserved communities through comprehensive healthcare, education and advocacy. Guided by the belief that health is a fundamental right, Roots works tirelessly to address systemic disparities and empower individuals and families to live healthier lives.

BMO Gives. Good grows here.
Helping communities thrive by supporting the organizations that sustain them and encouraging employee giving and volunteerism is at the heart of BMO’s Purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life. In 2023, our social impact included more than $84 million donated to hundreds of charities and non-profit organizations across North America to drive progress by enabling individuals to thrive and communities to prosper. Our colleagues spent almost 62,000 hours volunteering in the community and contributed more than $31 million of donations through our annual employee giving program. For more information, please visit BMO.com.

CONTACT:
Contact: Terry Lightfoot
Phone: 510.916.5201
Email: [email protected]
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