Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Darthula Young. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Darthula, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I found my purpose through a deeply personal and transformative journey. Growing up, I witnessed the challenges and heartbreak that families face when dealing with end-of-life issues, particularly within African American and Latino communities. This experience ignited a passion within me to address the disparities and lack of preparation that often leave these families vulnerable during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
I saw a consistent need for compassionate, informed guidance in end-of-life planning and caregiving. This realization was further solidified through my professional experiences and personal encounters with families who were unprepared for the legal and emotional complexities of end-of-life care. I recognized that there was a critical need for an organization that could provide holistic support, education, and resources to help families navigate these challenges with dignity and grace.
Rooted in Dignity was born out of this purpose. Our mission is to ensure that everyone, regardless of background, has access to the knowledge and resources they need to plan and prepare for end-of-life, and to support them through the emotional and legal intricacies involved. Through our services, including advance directives, health care power of attorney, and family discussions about end-of-life, we aim to empower families to make informed decisions and to experience dignified deaths.
Ultimately, my purpose is driven by a deep commitment to fostering a culture of preparation and dignity around end-of-life issues, ensuring that no family has to face these moments unprepared and unsupported.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
At Rooted in Dignity, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive end-of-life care and planning services, particularly focusing on the African American and Latino communities. Our mission is to empower families to navigate the complexities of end-of-life issues with knowledge, preparation, and dignity.
What We Do:
End-of-Life Planning and Preparation:
We assist families in creating essential legal documents such as advance directives, health care power of attorney, and durable power of attorney. We help prepare Transfer on Death instruments and offer guidance on creating trusts and last wills and testaments.
Educational Seminars and Workshops: We conduct seminars on the importance of end-of-life planning and preparation. We offer specialized workshops on caregiving for loved ones with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or disabilities, and self-care for caregivers.
Support Initiatives: We provide grief coaching, grief circles, and prolonged grief counseling for families who have lost loved ones, including those affected by gun violence.
Advocacy and Outreach: We strive to address the reluctance of African Americans to use hospice care by educating and advocating for trust in the medical profession.
What Excites Me: What excites me most about our work is witnessing the transformation in families who, through our guidance, become empowered to make informed decisions about their loved ones’ care and their own futures. It is incredibly fulfilling to see families navigate these difficult times with confidence and peace of mind, knowing they have a plan in place.
What’s New: We have several exciting developments and initiatives in the pipeline:
We are proposing to provide specialized services to a local hospital that services the African American and Latino communities. This service will include weekly seminars on end-of-life planning and a support initiative for families affected by gun violence.
Expansion of Services: We are continually exploring ways to expand our services to better meet the needs of our community. This includes considering additional support services and resources that can help families in various aspects of end-of-life care.
Upcoming Presentations: I will be conducting a seminar for the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority on caregiving and self-care, as well as participating in a panel discussion at the Black Women’s Expo on these topics.
Community Engagement: We are enhancing our outreach efforts to ensure more families are aware of the importance of end-of-life planning and the resources available to them. At Rooted in Dignity, we are passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of the families we serve. Our commitment to dignity, compassion, and empowerment is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that by addressing the critical need for end-of-life planning and support, we can help families experience more peaceful and dignified transitions.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my journey, there are three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have been most impactful: empathy, communication, and a deep understanding of end-of-life care.
Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, particularly during their most vulnerable moments, has allowed me to connect deeply with the families we serve. It’s essential in providing compassionate and personalized support.
Advice: Volunteering in settings where you can interact with people from different backgrounds and life situations can also enhance your ability to empathize.
Communication: Effective communication is crucial in this field. Whether it’s explaining complex legal documents, facilitating difficult conversations about end-of-life wishes, or providing emotional support, clear and compassionate communication ensures that families feel heard and understood.
Advice: Improve your communication skills by practicing active listening, being mindful of non-verbal cues, and refining your ability to convey information clearly and empathetically.
Knowledge of End-of-Life Care: A thorough understanding of the legal, medical, and emotional aspects of end-of-life care has enabled me to provide comprehensive support to families. This knowledge helps in creating effective plans and offering informed guidance.
Advice: Continuously educate yourself in your field. Take courses, attend workshops, and stay updated with the latest research and best practices in end-of-life care. Joining professional organizations and networks can also provide valuable resources and learning opportunities.
Advice for Those Early in Their Journey:
Hands-on experience is essential. Volunteer, intern, or work in environments where you can apply your skills and learn directly from real-world situations.
Cultivate Self-Care:
Working in emotionally demanding fields requires a strong foundation of self-care. Develop habits and routines that support your mental, emotional, and physical well-being to avoid burnout and maintain your ability to help others.
Stay Passionate and Purpose-Driven:
Let your passion and purpose guide you. Remind yourself why you started this journey and let that drive you through the challenging times. By focusing on these qualities and continuously striving to improve them, you can make a meaningful impact in your field and support others with compassion and expertise.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Rooted in Dignity is looking to partner with a diverse range of companies and organizations that align with our mission of providing comprehensive end-of-life care and planning services, particularly focusing on African American and Latino communities. Here are the types of partners we are seeking:
Hospitals and Healthcare Providers: Hospitals, clinics, and healthcare systems that are committed to improving end-of-life care for their patients. Providers interested in integrating holistic support services, including advance directives, health care power of attorney, and durable power of attorney, into their patient care offerings.
Community Organizations and Nonprofits: Organizations that serve African American and Latino communities and share our commitment to addressing health disparities and providing comprehensive end-of-life planning resources. Groups focused on family support, caregiving, and community health education.
Educational Institutions:
Universities, colleges, and training centers that can collaborate on educational seminars, workshops, and research initiatives related to end-of-life care, caregiving, and health disparities.
Faith-Based Organizations: Churches, and other faith-based groups that play a significant role in their communities and can help spread awareness about the importance of end-of-life planning and support.
Legal Firms and Estate Planning Professionals:
Law firms and legal professionals specializing in estate planning, probate, and elder law who can offer expertise and resources to our clients.
Government Agencies: Local, state, and federal agencies focused on public health, aging, and community services that can support our initiatives through funding, resources, and policy advocacy.
Corporate Sponsors:
Businesses that prioritize corporate social responsibility and are interested in supporting community health initiatives, especially those related to end-of-life care and planning.
Hospice and Palliative Care Providers: Hospice and palliative care organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with serious illnesses and their families.
Mental Health and Grief Counseling Services: Providers of mental health services and grief counseling who can collaborate with us to offer comprehensive support to families dealing with loss and end-of-life issues.
By partnering with these types of organizations, Rooted in Dignity aims to expand our reach, enhance our services, and ensure that more families have access to the resources and support they need to navigate end-of-life issues with dignity and preparedness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rootedindignity.com
- Facebook: Rooted in Dignity
- Linkedin: Rootedindignity
Image Credits
The pictures are at seminar Rooted in Dignity conducted at the Salt and Light Church in Philadelphia. Others are copies of the flyers indicating the events that we were involved in. One picture is of Darthula Young at a live radio show on IHeart radio.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
