Regenerating Our Offspring Through Stories
Every Child Deserves the Gift of Story
We use the art of storytelling to promote literacy, inspire youth to find their voices, and encourage our elders to share their precious memories—one story at a time.
Regenerating Our Offspring Through Stories
We use the art of storytelling to promote literacy, inspire youth to find their voices, and encourage our elders to share their precious memories—one story at a time.
ROOTS (Regenerating Our Offspring Through Stories, Inc.) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to using the transformative power of storytelling to build literacy, self-esteem, and community connection.
Founded in 2008 by Mrs. Joann Frasier Dasent—known lovingly as Auntie Jo Jo "The Storyteller"—ROOTS brings together children, youth, and elders through the timeless art of oral traditions.
We believe that stories have the power to heal, teach, and unite. Through our programs, we help children discover the joy of reading, encourage young people to find their authentic voices, and inspire seniors to preserve their precious memories for future generations.
ROOTS is a proud partner of Read by 4th, a collaborative campaign working to ensure all children can read by the end of third grade.
Building literacy and community through the power of story
Our flagship program partners with schools and libraries to bring professional storytelling into educational settings. Working with retired teachers and experienced storytellers, we help children develop reading fluency and a lifelong love of literature.
Partner With Us →Young people discover their voices through theatre classes, monologue writing, and creative expression. Our programs build confidence, self-esteem, and communication skills.
Learn More →We invite community elders to share their wisdom, experiences, and precious memories. These stories become treasured gifts for future generations.
Learn More →A division of ROOTS dedicated to helping young people explore their heritage and creativity through writing, sewing, and the arts—inspired by the Sankofa principle of learning from the past.
Learn More →
aka Auntie Jo Jo "The Storyteller"
"Once upon a time, which seems like not too long ago, I had the pleasure and honor of joining Keepers of The Culture, Philadelphia's only African American Storytelling Group."
Inspired by veteran storyteller Charlotte Blake-Alston, Auntie Jo Jo pursued her passion for storytelling and earned a master's degree in the Oral Traditions. Her journey led her to Ghana, West Africa, where she discovered the sansan cloth that would inspire the founding of ROOTS.
In 2005, a presentation of her family story quilt to seniors sparked a beautiful collaboration. When Miss Beam gifted her over 100 neckties from distinguished gentlemen, Auntie Jo Jo created "The Ties That Bind Us"—a play that celebrates our connections across generations.
In December 2008, Sankofa Youth and Creative Arts, a division of ROOTS, was officially formed. Her granddaughter Astarte, who traveled with her to countless storytelling events, graduated from Hampton University (Class of 2020) and continues to apply the art of storytelling to her everyday life.
Partner with ROOTS to bring storytelling into your classroom. Our programs align with literacy standards and inspire a love of reading.
Partner With UsEnroll your children in our programs or attend our community events. Check our calendar for upcoming workshops and performances.
View ProgramsYour 100% tax-deductible donation helps us provide free literacy education to children in our community.
Support UsAs a nonprofit organization, we rely on the generosity of donors to continue providing free literacy education to children in our community. Your tax-deductible donation helps us purchase books, fund programs, and bring the transformative power of storytelling to more children and families.
Every dollar plants a seed for the next generation.
Support ROOTS with a one-time or recurring gift.
Donate via Cash AppR.O.O.T.S., Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are 100% tax deductible.
Have questions about our programs? Want to book Auntie Jo Jo for a workshop or speaking engagement? We'd love to hear from you!
1650 Limekiln Pike, Suite B19 #257
Dresher, PA 19025
Monday – Friday
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM