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Nonprofit · Western North Carolina

Our roots,
our strength,
our community.

We help individuals and families overcome language barriers and gain access to education, jobs, food and community resources. Our doors are open to everyone who needs support.

Raíces Center volunteers standing beside food boxes ready for families

Burke, Catawba, Caldwell & McDowell Counties

Help in your language

We serve you in English or Spanish and explain every step.

No immigration questions

Our forms never ask for immigration status or Social Security numbers.

Free services

Our programs are free for families.

Our initiatives

Four roots, one community

Each initiative answers a real need in our families' lives.

  • Margarita's Box of Love

    Our food box program. It reaches local families with groceries and with the care of the people who pack it.

    Led by: Lázaro Lezcano

    Learn more: Margarita's Box of Love
  • Janice McMahon Academy

    Home of our education programs: English, computer skills and homework help for adults, youth and kids.

    Led by: Drew McMahon

    Learn more: Janice McMahon Academy
  • Reina Legado

    Our women's group. A space to support one another, grow together and leave a legacy in our families.

    Led by: Jacqueline Monges

    Learn more: Reina Legado
  • March Together

    Our veterans department. A place to gather, build friendships and find the resources already available to veterans and their families.

    Led by: Tommy Lynn Paulette

    Learn more: March Together

More than immediate relief

We meet today's need, then work with you to remove tomorrow's barriers.

  • We serve

    We provide food assistance and essential resources to those who need them most.

  • We empower

    We foster education, personal growth and opportunities for a better future.

  • We connect

    We connect the community with resources, support and hope.

  • We grow together

    We strengthen our roots to build a fairer, more caring tomorrow.

Programs

Our impact

Strong people, stronger communities

Every number is a family with more tools to move forward.

Margarita's Box of Love boxes delivered
350
volunteers
35
counties served
4
community initiatives
4
Volunteers beside dozens of boxes of groceries, produce and household items ready for families
Three volunteers beside a table of food boxes decorated with caring messages
The Raíces Center team smiling behind a community service table
Team members and partners beside a table of community resource information at a school
Families line up under a tent decorated with papel picado at a community event

Voices from our community

During Hurricane Helene, getting basic supplies for my baby became extremely difficult. Stores had no formula or diapers, and as a mother it was a time of deep worry.

Raíces Center was there when we needed it most. They helped me get formula and diapers for my baby in the middle of the emergency. For my family, that help meant much more than receiving essentials; it meant knowing we were not alone during such a hard time.

I am deeply grateful to Raíces Center for their support and for being there for the families in our community when they need it most.

Karla Martínez· Mother · Hurricane Helene

I want to express my gratitude to Raíces Center for the support I received while buying my home.

It was very important to me to understand every step of the process, and Raíces Center walked with me and helped with translation and interpretation, so I could communicate and better understand the information and documents for the purchase of my home.

I especially want to thank Yanira Paulette, who accompanied me throughout the process with great kindness, patience and willingness to help.

Having someone who could help me overcome the language barrier gave me more confidence and peace of mind during such an important moment for me and my family.

I am very grateful to Raíces Center for the service it provides to our Hispanic community. If anyone needs support to understand and communicate during important processes, I encourage them to reach out to Raíces Center. Thank you very much, and blessings.

Marvin Sajche· Home purchase · Interpretation

Upcoming activities

Food distributions, classes, workshops and celebrations open to the whole community.

See all events

Put down roots with us

There are many ways to help. Every one counts.

Give your time

Teach, translate, hand out food or help at events.

Volunteer

Give resources

Money, food or goods that go straight to local families.

Donate

Become a partner

Businesses, foundations and institutions investing in community.

Partner with us

Our mission

To strengthen individuals and families facing language barriers and limited access to education, services and community resources.
Strong people, stronger communities
Read our story

Where we serve

Western North Carolina. If you live nearby and need support, reach out anyway.

  • Burke
  • Catawba
  • Caldwell
  • McDowell

Western North Carolina