www.thirdroot.org

Part one: The birth of Third Root

Third Root Community Health Center leads a movement many hope becomes standard in holistic healthcare. The center in Flatbush offers yoga classes, acupuncture, massage, herbal and nutritional education, as well as other alternative methods. The difference between Third Root and the many cashing in on holistic health care is their drive for social justice and effective care regardless of economic status. With services offered on a sliding scale based on income and scholarships available to those in need, Third Root is at the forefront of a holistic revolution.

When Jacoby Ballard and Green Wayland Llewellin met at an Herbal Medicine and Social Justice conference, Ballard knew they had the same goals.

“We both wanted to provide quality care, but were frustrated,” Ballard said. “In this country, quality, educated, holistic care is mostly for the upper classes. We both care about these ancient forms of healthcare so deeply, seeing it as the people's medicine that has been stolen and sold back to us.”

With like-minded initiative, the search for the center began.

Ballard said: “Green was tired of waiting for the perfect opportunity and kept saying that if we just build it, if we got it going, the momentum would propel itself. She believed that it wasn't a matter of whether it would be successful, but more that the big hump was just in starting it all. I was more hesitant, but we found the perfect space just off of Cortelyou Road, an old daycare that was perfect. We both felt like this was it. We had to make quick decisions, to do it or not, to raise the money or not. We signed the lease, began renovations on the space, and met with other practitioners to be involved. It was a whirlwind from there.”

The doors have been open less than a year and this worker-owned cooperative works hard to bring affordable care in a time when it’s needed greatly.

“From the beginning, all 7 practitioners have really poured their hearts into this health center,” Ballard added. “We have also received a lot of support from the community in the form of volunteers, financial support, renovations and skilled labor. Each of these aspects has created community in its own way and found ways for people to connect to Third Root. Every task we have, we ask ourselves, 'How can this build our community?'”

The center and the community are growing through their diversified yoga classes and workshops to their mission to achieve social justice and community wellness by providing holistic, collaborative care in an accessible and sustainable manner.

Click here to read Part Two: Affordable holistic care for anyone

Visit www.thirdroot.org for information on all their services.