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THE GREAT ROOT MOVEMENT

THE GREAT ROOT MOVEMENT

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The Great Root Movement
https://i.vimeocdn.com/video/1791427641-0248d6cbbb70df23928809e3cdaa3b7e87688676dd216b01dfb189908fd0e914-d
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THE GREAT ROOT MOVEMENT

Love. Move. Rize.


We are rooted in love.

Our roots grow deep.  

We all have a purpose. 


When we love, move, & rize together, hope & healing are possible.

The Great Root Movement is a community of hope that provides a safe space for women to be actively seen, heard, and loved through their journeys to recovery and healing in mental health, child loss, grief, trauma, and domestic abuse.


Our mission is to provide access to support groups, restorative activities, health resources, and scholarships to therapeutic programs that help women realize their potential and purpose. 


  • Problem: Women who experience child loss, domestic abuse, depression, and other traumas often struggle to find access to or afford therapy and resources to help them recover and re-enter society.
  • Solution: The Great Root Movement is a non-profit organization founded by Karen A. Sparks that provides resources and connections to therapy, treatment, and workshops to help women recover from grief, trauma, domestic violence, depression, and other areas of mental health. Our Love. Move. Rize. walking and running support group is for women of all walks of life and skill levels. 


"In 2015, my world was shattered when my soon-to-be ex-husband murdered my only two children, Reagan (9) and Grant (8), and killed himself. This horrific loss led me into a deep depression and overwhelming grief, and I even attempted suicide. My journey to recovery has been guided by my faith in God, therapy, running, and support groups. In 2018, with the help of family and friends, I founded TGRM as a community of hope and support that provides resources for women, bereaved mothers, and survivors of domestic abuse and trauma."

-KAS 


We are not licensed therapists, counselors, or mentors. We aim to help women access therapy and restorative programs through TGRM. 


We are ambassadors of hope, rooted in love, offering a hub of professional resources to help women discover their true identity and purpose while building a supportive community.


Our RIZE Program offers:

  • Scholarships for Bereaved Mothers, Women Survivors of Domestic Abuse, and Trauma to attend therapy and comprehensive healing programs. 
  • LOVE. MOVE. RIZE. Women's Group = A community of support made up of everyday women. We walk, hike, run, connect, encourage, and volunteer in our communities. 


In addition to helping women realize their potential, we are passionate about helping students further their education and have established scholarships in honor of Karen's children, Reagan and Grant. 


Our REAGAN AND GRANT SMALL ENDOWED MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS

& 

THE GREAT ROOT MOVEMENT SCHOLARSHIPS offer: 

  •  Graduating high school seniors scholarships for college & trade school.

Our Story

TGRM Scholarships

RIZE PROGRAM

EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS

EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS

EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS

EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS

EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Statistics

Grieving & Bereaved Parents

Grieving & Bereaved Parents

Grieving & Bereaved Parents

Scientific evidence indicates that bereaved parents are more likely to suffer more depressive symptoms, poorer well-being, less purpose in life, more health complications, marital disruption, psychiatric hospitalization, and even premature death for both mothers and fathers as early as age 40.


The death of a child is one of the greatest and most enduring stresses a person can experience.  - Institute of Medicine 


  • It is common and expected to relapse and re-experience periods of deep  grief and pain in the years to come. 
  • Your grief is often disorienting. Some describe it as a fog. It can be  hard to think, remember or work. 
  • Common functions, like keeping a  grocery list or bills, may become insurmountable.
  • Profound sadness.          
  • Crying all the time or at unexpected times.
  • Extreme physical exhaustion, or a manic energy.
  • Difficulty sleeping, or sleeping all the time.
  • Loss of connections with family and friends.
  • Overwhelming sense of wanting to die.


Grief is not just an experience of the head and heart. Rather, grief is a whole-body experience, impacting the individual physically, emotionally, spiritually, and cognitively. The list of ways in which grief may manifest itself is almost endless. - Austin Center for Grief & Loss


Domestic Abuse & Violence

Grieving & Bereaved Parents

Grieving & Bereaved Parents

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence:


  • 7 out of 10 emotionally, psychologically, or physically abused women display symptoms of PTSD and depression.


  • Women experiencing physical, emotional, or psychological intimate partner violence are significantly more likely to report poor physical and mental health.


  • Emotional or psychological abuse is a stronger predictor of PTSD than physical abuse among women.


  • Studies suggest that there is a relationship between intimate partner violence and depression and suicidal behavior.


  • Women experiencing domestic abuse are three times more likely to attempt suicide.


  • On a typical day, there are more than 20,000 phone calls placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide.


According to The American Psychological Association

ways movement helps in grief and overall mental, emotional, & physical health

  • Grounding oneself in nature improves mental state.
  • Breathing = Oxygen to brain.
  • Releases Dopamine & Serotonin = improves mood.
  • Improves blood flow.
  • Aides in stress relief, anxiety, and depression.


About Us

My name is Karen Sparks.  On November 1, 2015, my children, Reagan (9) and Grant (8) were murdered by their father in a murder-suicide/filicide.  It's been over 2,500 days since I've seen my children, held them, heard their voices and laughter, or been called "Mom."  After burying the two loves of my life, I battled and fought my way out of two graves each day to gasp for breath.  Routine tasks were debilitating, and I reached a point in my grief journey where I thought my life was pointless and wanted it to end.  There is no word in the English language for a mother who lost her children.  After my suicide attempt, my family intervened and got me the help I needed.  While attending long-term therapy, God restored my identity and purpose.  My journey will always be a struggle, but I know I am rooted in love.  There is hope in the darkness through therapy, running, mental health awareness, and a caring community.  


The Great Root Movement is named after my children, Grant & Reagan ("G" for Grant, "Rea" for Reagan, and the "t" is the cross that makes them great).   They loved big, moved boldly, and would always rize to meet life's challenges.  My most important title will always be "Reagan and Grant's Mom." My mission is to share our story and help others like us. 

Emmy Award Winning WFAA Story

"Karen's Run:  100 Miles for her babies." Emmy Award Winning Original Story by WFAA Sports Anchor/Reporter, Mike Leslie, and Sports Videographer, Arnold Payne.


December 9, 2020 

WFAA 1st Love Never Ends Trail Run

WFAA (Channel 8/ABC) story on first annual Love Never Ends Trail Run held at Erwin Park in McKinney, TX.


October 1, 2022

The Longest Race

UIL Division One State Winning Documentary produced by three Van Alstyne ISD High School Students:  Claire Gallagher, Mollie Gallagher, and Weston Holbert 


January 2022

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The Great Root Movement


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 We are a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non profit foundation under the name The Great Root Movement. 


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