Roots Wellness Center

06/18/2026

🧬 New CEU Training for Mental Health Professionals

As DNA and ancestry testing become more accessible, many individuals are uncovering unexpected truths about their identities and family histories. These discoveries can bring complex emotional, relational, and psychological challenges that clinicians are increasingly encountering in their work.

Join Eric Brenneman for:

Introduction to DNA Surprises: Supporting Clients After Unexpected Ancestry Results

📅 Friday, July 10
🕙 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Brookdale Library, Brooklyn Center, MN
🎓 Earn 1 CEU Credit
💲 Registration Fee: $10

This training will explore:
✔ The impact of unexpected DNA and ancestry results
✔ Identity shifts and family relationship challenges
✔ Trauma-informed approaches to care
✔ Ethical considerations for clinicians
✔ Practical tools for supporting clients through ambiguous loss, family disruption, and self-discovery

Don't miss this opportunity to learn about an emerging issue affecting more individuals and families than ever before.

Reserve your spot today!

CEU Training Opportunity for Mental Health Professionals - Link to the registration form: https://form.jotform.com/261685080336156

06/18/2026

Two Minnesota inmates just pulled off something no one else has...

For the first time in U.S. history, two incarcerated students have earned law degrees from an American Bar Association-accredited law school while still serving their sentences at Minnesota Correctional Facilities in Shakopee and Faribault

CC for the full story

06/16/2026

We are thrilled to announce that our Founder, Katy Armendariz, will be joining Andy Steiner, MinnPost's mental health and addiction reporter, for a conversation regarding the future of addiction treatment in Minnesota.

This discussion is part of MinnPost's Pulitzer Center-supported reporting series exploring mental health, substance use, and recovery across Minnesota.

We’re especially grateful to Andy, who has been reporting on our work and the broader recovery community for years.

06/16/2026

🌿 NOW ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS 🌿

Our in-person and virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for substance use currently has openings available.

At Roots Wellness Center, we offer a holistic, somatic, trauma-informed, and culturally rooted approach to recovery. As we continue to expand services into northern counties and rural communities, we recognize the need for accessible treatment options that honor each person's identity, experiences, and healing journey.

Virtual IOP
• Monday–Thursday | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• 12 hours/week
• Fully virtual

In-Person IOP
• Monday – Friday | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
(24 group hours per week with short breaks between sessions)

Our program is designed for individuals seeking deeper healing, community connection, and support beyond traditional treatment models.

To learn more or make a referral, visit:
https://rwc-mn.com/roots-recovery-2/

Or call Danielle at (612) 428-1901

Recovery is possible. We're here to help!

06/16/2026

During the violent Federal occupation of Minnesota, Roots Wellness Center launched a free therapy line for families & individuals affected by ICE. Our Rapid Response hotline supported over 100 people, including children as young as 5, by providing free mental health care.

We are proud to have contributed to Human Rights Watch's report, ‘A Manufactured Crisis: Minnesota Communities Terrorized by the Federal Government,” which details the impact that the widespread abuse at the hands of ICE agents has had on our community.

We encourage you all to attend this conference Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. CDT. The conference will take place a the Walter F. Mondale Hall
Lockert Hall, Room 25 (subplaza) at the University of Minnesota Law School. For those unable to attend in person there is an option to attend via zoom.

To attend the news conference in-person, please register at:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/e8Zcseu6wJ
To attend the news conference online via Zoom, please register at:
https://umn.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1Iazbk-jSser4NLB5RZvfQ #/registration

06/16/2026

The punitive and shame-based nature of The Health Professionals Services Program is antithetical to the values of social work. We demand better for ourselves and our colleagues. Share your experience with HPSP in the comments!

06/15/2026

The Health Professionals Services Program is intended to support clinicians struggling with substance use or mental health issues. The program is frequently marketed as non-punitive, allowing clinicians to receive treatment without the threat of losing their license. For too many people, this has not been the case. They have left the program, traumatized, without their underlying issues resolved, and with the fear of losing licensure if they seek further support. If you or someone you're close with has been involved with HPSP, please share your experience with us. We want to hear from you! Together, we can create a system that supports our needs as clinicians as we continue to provide essential care to our communities.

06/15/2026

Our ARI team members had an amazing time in Chicago at the 2026 Advancing the Field of Alternative Response Convening hosted by the Policing Project - NYU School of Law! This convening came at the perfect time, just ahead of the launch of our own program in Maplewood on June 22nd. Having the opportunity to connect with leaders in the field and learn from the experiences, challenges, and successes of established programs was invaluable. We are so grateful for the opportunity to learn from those leading this work and look forward to joining this growing movement. Safety is something we build together! Not every situation requires a law enforcement response, and communities thrive when people have access to the care, support, and resources they need!

06/15/2026

We are thrilled to announce that our Appropriate Response Initiative will be rolling out in the City of Maplewood on the 22nd! Our team of four community responders will be responding to non-emergency 911 calls from the hours of 9:00 am to 8:30 pm. The team’s focus is on reducing unnecessary involvement with the justice system through early, supportive intervention, de-escalating conflicts, and connecting community members to resources.

We’re excited to partner with the Maplewood community to provide a compassionate, community-centered response that helps people get the support they need. By providing the right response at the right time, we can better support community members and strengthen public safety.

06/12/2026

📣 Now Accepting New Clients for Virtual and On-Site Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)!

We're currently accepting new clients for both our virtual and in-person IOP services.

✅ Convenient virtual options available
✅ Supportive and experienced treatment team
✅ Flexible services tailored to your needs

If you or someone you know could benefit from IOP services, we'd love to help.

📞 (612) 289-5656
🌐 www.rwc-mn.com
📍 1916 University Ave W, St. Paul, MN 55104

Take the first step toward healing and recovery today.

When we heal, we don’t just change our own lives — we transform our lineage. Every act of healing regulates not only your nervous system, but the generations that come after you.