Emmy-nominated journalist Taylor Rooks is taking her commitment to storytelling and community uplift to the next level with the official launch of the Taylor Rooks Foundation.
The nonprofit organization is dedicated to supporting Black and Brown families through programs focused on education, health, and opportunity.
Rooks, a two-time Emmy Award nominee known for her compelling interviews and journalism, says the foundation was inspired by the countless people she has met and stories she has told throughout her career.
“I believe that equity starts with access — access to care, to confidence, to opportunity,” Rooks said in a statement. “My work is rooted in trust, community, and the radical idea that a single act of support can rewrite someone’s story.”
Foundation Pillars: REACH, RELIEVE, REPRESENT
The Taylor Rooks Foundation will operate under three main pillars:
- REACH: Focuses on educational resources, community wellness, small business support, and direct giving.
- RELIEVE: Provides health support, crisis assistance, and help with essential living needs.
- REPRESENT: Offers mentorship for aspiring journalists, storytelling workshops, and the launch of the Rising Rooks Award to honor emerging voices in media.
Early Impact Already Underway
The foundation made its first donation to the Lower Eastside Girls Club in New York City, which offers free, innovative programs and vital services for female-identified and gender-expansive youth.
The donation will help the organization continue its mission to bring joy, power, and possibility to underserved communities in the city.
A representative from the Girls Club noted that the contribution comes at a critical time and praised the foundation for making an immediate impact.
Next, the Taylor Rooks Foundation is planning to support “Teacher’s Supplies for Success,” a national initiative that helps provide classrooms with school supplies and learning materials.
With backing from the Players Philanthropy Fund Inc., the Taylor Rooks Foundation is poised to grow into a lasting force for social change, educational equity, and community support, regardless of a family’s “zip code, background, or bank account.”