Providing stability and hope to those who have endured dark circumstances

For Melanie Webb Diserens and Gladys Whitenburg, being able to help victims of abuse is a strong calling, an effort to help people rise above the pain and anguish they have experienced and grasp a better future.

Webb Diserens founded Righteous Roots Crisis Center in an effort to help people heal from the trauma of abuse, and says the power of faith is a key to recovery. The nonprofit organization's stated mission is "to see individuals suffering from abuse-related, life-controlling issues set free by the healing power of Jesus Christ."

Righteous Roots began in 2018, and the organization, now located on the Coryell County Courthouse Square at 503 E. Main St., continues to expand.

"We serve both those with a history of experiencing abuse and those who are currently dealing with abuse,"  Webb Diserens said. "This year, we had two major things happen that elevated us to the next level. We received our first state level grant which enabled us to hire Gladys as our full-time social services administrator. We are now able to offer classes during the day and in the evening."

Righteous Roots has cooperative agreements with Child Protective Services, the Coryell County attorney's office, the district attorney's office and the Gatesville Independent School District.

"Everything we offer is free, my heart and my goal from the very beginning is to bring more resources to Gatesville and to offer services they may not otherwise be able to receive,"  Webb Diserens said.

"We offer anger management, nurturing parenting and men's and women's substance abuse support groups. We are also planning a substance abuse support group for teenagers."

While some of the abuse people are recovering from may have happened recently or be ongoing, support is also offered to those who "need emotional healing from abuse they experienced long ago as children, but who are still affected by it," Diserens said.

Another class offered by Righteous Roots is a marriage strengthening class.

"It's a five-week class and we've had an excellent turnout,"  Webb Diserens said.

Providing stability and hope to those who have endured dark circumstances is a goal of the organization.

"We work to help people get back on their feet and into a safe environment,"  Webb Diserens said. "People can be referred to Righteous Roots (by law enforcement, the judicial system, clergy or another source) or they can walk in on their own."

She said she started the organization after enduring a trauma that impacted her family.

"I went through the legal system to hold someone accountable for their actions," she said. "What went through my mind is how stressful the process is, and there are not a lot of people who know how to help.

"I wanted to provide everything within my power so children and adults who have experienced abuse can be healthy and whole and not defined by the abuse. I am very passionate about helping people. Abuse is something we don't often talk about. It's considered dark and shameful. People don't realize just how common it is.

"We are on a mission to let people know it happens to a lot of people, that it's OK to talk about it and it's OK to get help."

Whitenburg works to help connect people with resources that can help them, primarily through organizations in Bell and Coryell counties.

"Gladys has done a lot of networking with different organizations, including the police and sheriff's department,"  Webb Diserens said. "A lot of what we do is field phone calls and help people find where to get the help they need. Sometimes we can provide it directly, other times we'll point them in the right direction and refer them to others who can help."

A long-term goal is to have a licensed professional counselor work with people on an individual basis, and also to find a location for an emergency shelter.

"We are a faith-based organization,"  Webb Diserens said. "Everything we do and teach is grounded in the word of God.

Whitenburg said she has seen Righteous Roots make a significant impact.

"In a month and a half I've seen the anger management group grow, a couple of the participants are mandatory and a couple are voluntary," she said. "I encourage y'all to share information about Righteous Roots with anybody. People can come here and learn and benefit from the programs. You don't have to be in the depths of abuse or a crisis.

"I have never felt more fulfilled in my life being able to help people. We are here to help make a difference in people's lives."

Those interested in finding out more about programs available through Righteous Roots can visit https://righteousroots.org/, visit the organization's Facebook page @missionrigteousroots, call 254-223-3770 or email RighteousRootsMissions@gmail.com.