Meet Amy Casto | President of Our Nesting Roots

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amy Casto and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amy, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?

I came up with the idea of my nonprofit, Our Nesting Roots, as a result of my own experiences growing up in multiple homes and lacking the support needed to navigate life as I entered adulthood. The struggles I faced growing up paved a path that would allow me to be there for other young women who are currently facing the same struggles in todays world.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

At Our Nesting Roots we believe in transforming lives of the most vulnerable people in our society, girls who lack the support and safety to succeed in their personal ventures as a result of the lack of stability from being a part of the foster care system. Our Nesting Roots exists because of the fire God ignited in my heart that motivates me to take action to meet the needs of this demographic. The struggles that I experienced in my youth are not something I linger on, but the results of those struggles gave me the fortitude to be the change the world desperately needs. I have learned to surround myself with people who believe in my cause and who are willing to accept the uncomfortable realities of life for young women aging out of foster care. I want girls who are parentless and aging out of foster care to know that there are people like us in the world who deeply care for them and there are support systems put in place to make sure they are protected and have an opportunity to focus on their career dreams and aspirations. I want them to know that they have more options than being homeless, joining the military or ending up in a womens shelter on their 18th birthday. We are here with open arms at Our Nesting Roots ready to take on the challenges together.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

If my best friend was visiting the area we would definitely go kayaking or paddle boarding at Riva Row Boathouse in the woodlands. We would also go visit some art museums in downtown Houston. Additionally, if I haven’t tired them out yet, we would go hiking at Stephen F. Austin State Park, or go biking down the Buffalo Bayou and grab an ice cream from the local ice cream trucks. For food I would probably cook something special or go out for a picnic at the Buffalo Bayou and then play some sand volleyball. In the evening we would go do karaoke then grab some boba at Katy Asian Town or down to El Jardin beach to relax and see the sunset. I enjoy spontaneity and adventure. I find myself having the most fun when we don’t plan anything at all and simply go explore the mysteries of the city.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I want to give a special thanks to all the Mothers who took me when I was a child regardless of the fact that majority were single mothers or whom were struggling financially, thank you for making room in your home & your hearts, I will forever treasure you (Gladys Gracia, Adriana Alvarado, Alejandra Flores, Magdalena Rodriguez, Bella Martinez, and the entire Vela family). I also want to thank one of our board members, who I consider family, William Manger, and whom I call Uncle Bill. I met Uncle Bill my freshmen year of University and he has been at my side ever since supporting all that I do, I am forever grateful for him. I also want to thank all our partners who come together to support us on our mission to help transform the lives of girls aging out of foster care (Legacy Housing, LOCH Reality Services, 16 Hands of Love, Your Labor Neighbour, Daria Ratliff Photography, Artist Daniela Werneck, Mike Williams and our donors). I also want to thank my husband that supports all my ventures and sits as a Vice President of our nonprofit. Lastly, but not least, I want to thank God for always lifting us up, together we will move mountains and heal people. It truly takes a village to make dreams a reality and change lives, I am blessed for all who have joined hands with me.

Website: www.ournestingroots.com

Instagram: ournestingroots

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OurNestingRootsCo

Youtube: Our Nesting Roots

Other: If you can please add credit to our photographer by adding her website: www.dariaratliff.com under the photos as well as crediting the artist Daniela Werneck below the artwork.

Image Credits
For the photography please credit Daria Ratliff. For the pieces of artwork please credit Daniela Werneck.