Community Roots Wellness Hub: Growing Care, Connection, and Hope in White Salmon
In White Salmon, community isn’t just a word — it’s a way of showing up for one another. That spirit is at the heart of Community Roots Wellness Hub, a new, collaborative space designed to support youth and families across Western Klickitat County with accessible, coordinated care — all under one roof.
For Kay Alton and the partners behind Community Roots, the inspiration was deeply personal. “The original motivation for Community Roots Wellness Hub was — and still is — our kids,” Kay shares. “Many of us involved live here, raise families here, and have been personally affected by the shifting availability of services over the years.”
That loss of access was visible in a very real way. The building where community-based mental health services had once been provided in Western Klickitat County sat vacant for five years beginning in 2020, after the previous provider ended their services. For many, it became a stark reminder of how limited local mental health resources had become — and a powerful motivator to work toward change. “Families in Western Klickitat County have faced real gaps in access, especially when it comes to coordinated mental health, youth, and wrap-around supports,” Kay explains. “The Hub was created to fill that gap by bringing services together in one place so families don’t have to navigate complex systems on their own.”
A Space Designed to Feel Like Belonging
From the moment someone walks through the doors, Community Roots aims to feel different — not clinical or intimidating, but welcoming and grounding. “Our vision is for the Hub to feel welcoming, safe, and grounding,” says Kay. “We want families to feel relief when they walk in, not intimidation — and to know they don’t have to have everything figured out before they arrive.”
That sense of dignity and care is intentional. The physical space is designed to communicate collaboration, respect, and connection — values that reflect both the mission of the Hub and the broader White Salmon community.
What Community Roots Offers
Community Roots operates on a co-located model of care, meaning multiple service providers work side by side, making it easier for families to access comprehensive support without jumping between agencies.
Services include:
- Mental health therapy
- Trauma-informed care
- Youth support services
- Community health workers
- Family-focused programming
“Partner agencies work side by side, allowing for warm referrals and coordinated care,” Kay says. “Whether that’s therapy, help accessing food or housing resources, youth education opportunities, or parent support — it’s all connected.” The Hub also envisions future after-school programming, prevention education, and opportunities for community connection as services continue to grow.
Why White Salmon Was the Right Place
White Salmon’s central location in Western Klickitat County made it a natural home for Community Roots — especially in an area where resources have historically been limited. “The space reflects the community by being flexible, relationship-centered, and rooted in collaboration,” Kay notes. “It balances private rooms for confidential care with shared workspaces that allow providers to communicate easily — mirroring the interconnected, community-driven spirit of the Gorge.”
Furnishing the Hub: Turning a Building Into a Healing Space
While Community Roots is already open and serving families, a current fundraiser is helping bring the full vision of the space to life. “The fundraiser is about fully realizing the vision for the space,” Kay explains. “Donated funds will help furnish therapy rooms, shared areas, and youth spaces so they feel warm, comfortable, and inviting.” Comfortable seating, calming décor, flexible furniture, and welcoming touches may seem simple — but they have a powerful impact. “Environment matters,” Kay says. “A thoughtfully furnished space can reduce anxiety, build trust, and help people feel respected and cared for.”
For youth and families navigating stress or uncertainty, feeling physically and emotionally safe can make all the difference in staying engaged and supported.
Looking Ahead: A Place to Breathe and Belong
As Community Roots prepares to grow, the focus remains on collaboration — and on the real impact that aligned services can have close to home. “Watching services align, barriers fall away, and families access hope and support close to home is incredibly meaningful,” Kay shares. “We’re also super excited about hiring a front desk person soon so our doors can be open during regular business hours.”
Looking further ahead, the hope is that Community Roots becomes something even bigger for White Salmon. “We hope that over time the Hub will become a space where all members of our community feel welcome,” Kay says. “We want this space to be a physical reminder that we are not alone and that power lies in our connections to each other.”
Ultimately, the goal is simple — and deeply human. “When someone walks in, we want them to feel like they can take a breath and be like, ‘Okay, I’ve got this. I can take care of myself and find ways to connect in my community.’”
How You Can Get Involved
Community involvement is essential to Community Roots. Beyond donating, people can support the Hub by participating in programs, attending events, sharing feedback, and helping shape what happens in the space.
Those interested in learning more or getting involved can reach out directly at communityroots@wagap.org.
At its heart, Community Roots Wellness Hub exists because partners came together around a shared belief: that youth and families deserve coordinated, dignified care close to home — and that healing is strongest when it’s rooted in connection.
