Root & Thrive is an Eastern Montana nonprofit dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities for individuals with disabilities and others facing barriers to independence.
Root & Thrive began with a simple idea: individuals with disabilities in rural communities deserve more opportunities to connect, learn, build friendships, and be fully included in the communities they call home. What started as a vision for a welcoming, inclusive space quickly grew into a community-driven organization focused on meeting people where they are and creating programs shaped by their strengths, interests, and goals.
Since becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in early 2026, Root & Thrive has continued to grow through the support of local families, volunteers, businesses, and community partners. Our programs have included summer clubs, game nights, caregiver support, community outings, life skills activities, educational experiences, and special events that bring people together.
Everything we do is centered around connection, belonging, confidence, and independence. We believe that every person deserves opportunities to participate, contribute, build relationships, and feel valued.
Root & Thrive is proud to serve Eastern Montana and to continue building a community where individuals of all abilities can plant roots and thrive.
About
Root & Thrive was founded by Laurel Bartos, an Eastern Montana educator, advocate, and lifelong believer in the importance of inclusion, connection, and community.
Laurel’s passion for working alongside individuals with disabilities has grown through years of experience in education, youth support, Special Olympics, community programming, and one-on-one disability services. Throughout her work, she repeatedly saw the same need: individuals and families in rural communities deserved more opportunities for friendship, independence, meaningful experiences, and support close to home.
That need became the heart behind Root & Thrive.
Laurel founded Root & Thrive with the belief that people with disabilities should not simply be included as an afterthought. They should be known, valued, supported, and given real opportunities to participate in their communities. She brings creativity, energy, and a deeply personal commitment to every program, whether she is planning a summer club activity, organizing a community event, supporting a family, or building partnerships across Eastern Montana.
For Laurel, Root & Thrive is more than an organization. It is a community of people she cares deeply about and a mission she believes in with her whole heart. Her goal is to continue creating spaces where individuals of all abilities can build confidence, form meaningful relationships, develop new skills, and know they belong.
Meet the Founder
