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About Us
Our Roots
RIC was founded by Sara Gilbert—an adoptee, former foster parent, lifelong mom and bonus mom, and a dedicated professional in both the public and private sectors. With a deep passion for providing supportive, tailored services in child welfare, Sara has made it her mission to ensure that every child and family on this journey has a clear and accessible path to success.
Our agency was established in response to the need for a collaborative team deeply attuned to the culture, needs, and aspirations of our region. We believe that our communities inherently possess the resources and potential to ensure safety, wellness, and health for all. At RIC, our mission is to empower participants to make informed decisions and navigate their unique paths toward well-being, providing support that honors their autonomy and personal journey.
With team members rooted in the area, we are genuinely invested in the growth and prosperity of our community. Our agency not only celebrates and acknowledges the dedication and hard work of our team, but also fosters an environment where we can retain our talented caseworkers. We aim to maintain a small, responsive leadership team that listens to the needs of team members, youth and families, ensuring that we can provide the support and resources that were previously limited.
We proudly serve and support Michigan families and children, embracing diversity and inclusion in every form. Our commitment is unwavering, regardless of age, gender, identity, marital status, national origin, citizenship, disability, genetic information, veteran status, lifestyle, cultural or ethnic background, religious beliefs or absence thereof, or social and economic status.
Our Mission
Building strong, connected communities that prioritize safety, wellness, and health to improve the lives of individuals and families.
Our Vision and Values
To foster a future where every individual, regardless of background, is empowered to heal, thrive, and contribute to a community rooted in safety, wellness, and respect for all.
RIC shares five core values:
1. Community Strength: We recognize that communities possess the inherent power to create safety, wellness, and health, and we work to amplify their voices and capacity for healing.
2. Holistic Well-Being: We focus on the whole person—mental, emotional, physical, and social health—believing that all aspects of well-being are interconnected.
3. Collaboration: We believe in the power of partnership and community collaboration to create sustainable change and provide comprehensive support.
4. Healing and Resilience: We support individuals in overcoming harm, recognizing the strength and resilience within each person, and promoting long-term healing.
5. Justice and Equality: We advocate for equal opportunities and access to resources, addressing the needs of individuals and families. We actively identify and counter inequities within our organization and externally in our communities. We recognize inaction perpetuates racism, sexism, ableism, and other forms of discrimination.
Board of Directors
President: Ja'Liyah Walker
Secretary: Rachel Asiala
Secretary: Rachel Asiala
Ja’Liyah Walker brings heart, expertise, and deep community roots to Rooted in Community. A lifelong Muskegon resident and proud legacy builder, Ja’Liyah holds a Master’s in Social Work from Wayne State University. With over three years of experience in private child welfare and her current role in the public school system, she brings a unique, youth-centered perspective to the board. Her commitment to transformational change drives our mission forward every day.
Secretary: Rachel Asiala
Secretary: Rachel Asiala
Secretary: Rachel Asiala
Rooted in Michigan her entire life, Rachel Asiala brings a powerful blend of creativity, strategy, and community insight to our board. A top marketing leader and one of Grand Rapids’ Top 100 Realtors, Rachel holds an MBA from Ferris State University and a BFA from Kendall College of Art and Design. Her deep knowledge of local resources and commitment to meeting the real needs of our region make her an invaluable guide as we grow Rooted in Community.
Workforce and Wellness: Miranda Bigger
Secretary: Rachel Asiala
Treasurer: Rachel Kops
Miranda Bigger brings a powerful voice for equity, justice, and well-being to Rooted in Community. With a Bachelor of Social Work from Ferris State University and over four years of experience in child welfare and domestic violence advocacy, Miranda is deeply committed to person-centered services and systems that uplift. As our Workforce & Wellness Advocate, she champions fair treatment for both the families we serve and the team members who carry out the work—ensuring our agency lives out its values from the inside out.
Treasurer: Rachel Kops
Secretary: Rachel Asiala
Treasurer: Rachel Kops
With over a decade of experience in child advocacy through Michigan’s child welfare system and dedicated work within Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) programming, Rachel Kops brings a fierce commitment to equity and cultural inclusion. A lifelong resident of West Michigan, Rachel ensures that Rooted in Community creates space for every voice—especially those historically underrepresented. Her passion for justice and deep care for our community help guide our mission to be truly inclusive, respectful, and reflective of all the families we serve.