The Shoppe

If you've followed the news recently in the Capital District, NY, you've probably heard about the heartbreaking loss of 7-year-old Harbe Nagi, a nonverbal autistic child who wandered away while visiting family in Menands. Like so many in our community, I haven't been able to stop thinking about him, his family, and everyone who loved him.  That tragedy hit especially close to home for me.

My son is autistic. When he was younger, he was nonverbal and an eloper. For years, wandering was one of our biggest fears. Today, he's thriving, but I remember what it felt like to constantly scan every environment, always wondering if this would be the moment he slipped away.  It happened twice, where he wandered out of our home (via surprisingly cunning escape tactics) and made it all the way to the store next door.  Absolutely terrifying.  

My mom also lived with Alzheimer's disease for over 10 years before she passed away in April, 2025. Like many people with dementia, wandering was a very real concern for our family as well.

Because of those experiences, choosing a charity wasn't difficult.

A portion of every purchase will support Project Lifesaver, a program that partners with local law enforcement to provide wearable tracking technology and rapid-response search teams for individuals who are at risk of wandering due to autism, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and other cognitive conditions. Their mission is simple: help bring people home safely.

At Rooted Vines, we believe caring for our community extends beyond the therapy room. Sometimes it looks like offering a safe place to talk. Sometimes it looks like helping a family access resources. And sometimes, it looks like supporting programs that have the potential to save a life.  Thank you for helping us give back. Every purchase is a small reminder that communities are strongest when we look out for one another.