The imagery featured throughout this website is conceptual and AI-assisted, created to help illustrate the long-term vision and atmosphere of Roots & Paws Sanctuary.
Final designs, layouts, structures, amenities, and experiences may evolve over time as the project develops.
About Us
The Founder
Roots & Paws Sanctuary was founded by Jess Williams, a wellness educator, holistic pet health practitioner, and advocate for regenerative living whose vision for the sanctuary was born through profound personal loss, healing, and transformation.
In a short period of time, Jess was diagnosed with breast cancer, lost her soul dog Jasper, lost a close friend to suicide, and watched her best friend receive a cancer diagnosis only one month after her own.
Those experiences changed everything.
They created a deep realization about the way many people are living: constantly overstimulated, disconnected, stressed, inflamed, exhausted, and separated from the very things that help us heal.
During that season of life, Jess became increasingly aware of:
- the importance of nervous system restoration and slower living
- the impact our environments have on long-term health
- the connection between soil, food quality, and wellbeing
- the growing toxic burden from pesticides, herbicides, plastics, and everyday chemicals
- the importance of meaningful connection: to nature, community, animals, and one another
She also realized how disconnected many people have become from their food, their environment, and the natural rhythms that support health and restoration.
At the center of that journey was Jasper.
Jasper was a rescue dog who stood beside Jess through every difficult chapter of life, offering unwavering companionship, comfort, love, and safety for over ten years. Through him, Jess experienced firsthand the profound emotional healing animals can bring into people’s lives.
After losing Jasper, the vision for Roots & Paws Sanctuary began to naturally form.
Jess wanted to create a place where:
- people could slow down and reconnect
- healing felt grounded and restorative
- nature became part of the wellness experience
- people could learn about nourishment, regenerative living, and long-term wellbeing
- rescue dogs could experience peaceful, loving environments rather than overcrowded shelter systems
- and people and animals could help heal one another together
The sanctuary was inspired not only by the belief that animals deserve better environments to thrive, but also by the belief that the connection between humans and animals can be deeply therapeutic, restorative, and life-changing.
Roots & Paws Sanctuary was born from the understanding that healing is not just physical.
It is emotional.
Environmental.
Nervous system-based.
Community-driven.
And deeply connected to the environments, relationships, food systems, and living ecosystems that surround us every day.
Today, Roots & Paws Sanctuary represents a long-term vision for creating spaces rooted in compassion, restoration, connection, education, and regenerative living - for both people and animals alike.
Why Roots & Paws Sanctuary?
Roots & Paws Sanctuary began with a simple but life-changing realization:
What if healing was less about escaping life - and more about reconnecting to the things we were never meant to live without?
After experiencing breast cancer, personal loss, grief, burnout, and witnessing the growing health struggles affecting both people and animals, founder Jess Williams began questioning the environments, lifestyles, food systems, and disconnection that have become normalized in modern life.
The vision for Roots & Paws Sanctuary grew from the belief that healing is deeply connected to:
- the food we eat
- the environments we live in
- the health of the land
- the calmness of our nervous systems
- meaningful human connection
- and the relationships we have with animals and nature
Roots & Paws Sanctuary is not being built to maximize density, scale rapidly, or operate as a traditional luxury resort.
It is being built intentionally - as a long-term regenerative sanctuary focused on restoration, education, rescue, hospitality, wellness, and land stewardship.
The sanctuary is designed to support:
- Regenerative land practices and ecological restoration
- Wellness and nervous system restoration
- Integrative and holistic health education
- Community gatherings and meaningful connection
- Rescue initiatives and peaceful environments for overlooked dogs
- Nature-connected hospitality and retreat experiences
- Regenerative food systems, gardens, and nourishment
- Educational experiences rooted in practical, long-term wellbeing
The vision is to create a place where people and animals can slow down, reconnect, heal, and experience a different way of living - one rooted in restoration, compassion, sustainability, and connection to the natural world.
Roots & Paws Sanctuary is not about short-term trends or surface-level wellness.
It is about building something lasting - a model where healing, community, regenerative living, education, rescue, and thoughtful hospitality work together to support both people and the planet for generations to come.
A Values Led-Approach
Roots & Paws Sanctuary is being built with the same philosophy that has guided Jess Williams’ work in wellness, education, and holistic health:
- Build intentionally and sustainably
- Prioritize long-term impact over rapid expansion
- Create spaces that genuinely support healing and restoration
- Lead with compassion, transparency, and community
- Design environments that support both people and animals
- Focus on education, prevention, and connection rather than surface-level wellness trends
Philanthropy, community support, and creating meaningful impact have always been central to the vision behind Roots & Paws Sanctuary and Jasper Jo Co.
The project was not created simply to build a business.
It was created to help address deeper problems:
- disconnection from nature and one another
- rising chronic illness and burnout
- nervous system dysregulation and stress
- lack of restorative environments
- declining food quality and environmental health
- and the growing need for more compassionate spaces for both people and animals
Roots & Paws Sanctuary is not being designed as a speculative development project, short-term investment vehicle, or purely luxury hospitality experience.
It is a long-term regenerative sanctuary rooted in healing, education, rescue, restoration, and stewardship - supported by intentional accommodations, wellness experiences, educational programming, regenerative land practices, and community-centered experiences designed to help sustain the mission long term.
Every part of the vision is being approached thoughtfully and intentionally, with the goal of building something restorative, impactful, and lasting for generations to come.
Land, Stewardship, & Responsibility
Roots & Paws Sanctuary is being developed with a deep respect for the land, ecosystems, animals, and communities connected to it.
The vision is not simply to build on the land, but to care for it intentionally - restoring soil health, supporting biodiversity, creating regenerative systems, and developing spaces that exist in greater harmony with the natural world.
The sanctuary is being shaped around principles of:
- regenerative stewardship
- ecological responsibility
- thoughtful, low-impact development
- long-term sustainability
- community connection
- and environments that support restoration for both people and animals
Every part of the vision is being approached with the understanding that the environments we create directly influence wellbeing - physically, emotionally, environmentally, and socially.
Looking Ahead
Roots & Paws Sanctuary is being built intentionally and in phases over the long term.
The early focus includes:
- securing and stewarding 100+ acres of land
- regenerative groundwork and infrastructure
- gardens and food systems
- initial wellness and gathering spaces
- Dog Village development
- educational programming and community building
- early eco-stays, glamping, and restorative hospitality experiences
Over time, the sanctuary vision will continue expanding through:
- regenerative agriculture and food forests
- wellness and retreat experiences
- integrative and holistic health education
- cancer-informed wellness programming
- rescue initiatives and therapeutic animal experiences
- workshops, events, and community gatherings
- Roots & Paws Academy and digital education
- land restoration and sustainability efforts
This is not a finished concept.
It is a living, evolving project rooted in restoration, connection, and long-term impact.
Roots & Paws Sanctuary exists for people who believe that:
- healing begins with connection
- wellness should feel more restorative and accessible
- food, soil, nature, and health are deeply interconnected
- animals deserve environments where they can truly thrive
- slower living and nervous system restoration matter
- land deserves stewardship, patience, and care
Roots & Paws Sanctuary is being built for the long term - and for the people who believe the future of healing can look different.
Our Team
A collective of passionate, experienced humans committed to healing people, animals, and the planet through regenerative living, wellness, education, rescue, and community connection.
The team behind Roots & Paws Sanctuary and Jasper Jo Co brings together experience across wellness, hospitality, regenerative agriculture, land stewardship, business development, digital strategy, operations, and community building - all united by a shared belief that healing happens through connection.
Like the sanctuary itself, this vision is deeply collaborative and continues to grow through aligned partnerships, thoughtful leadership, and people who believe in building something restorative, meaningful, and lasting.
Jess Williams
Founder
Jessa Bilek
Director of Operations
Jessica Flaten
CMO
Jessie Hemmelgarn
Digital Marketing Specialist
Evan Folds
Soil Expert
Jaymie Friesen
Land & Funding Advisor
Shelby Friesen
Cabin Advisor
Tom Woods
Business Dev Advisor
Kenton Zerbin
Permaculture Advisor
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a regenerative wellness sanctuary?
Roots & Paws Sanctuary is more than a traditional farm. It is a regenerative wellness sanctuary designed to reconnect people, animals, food, nature, and community in one immersive healing environment.
The vision combines regenerative agriculture, wellness experiences, eco-stays, rescue dogs, education, and restorative spaces to create a place where people can slow down, reconnect, and heal at the root level.
What is the plan?
We’re starting by focusing on the foundational portion of the property. This first phase includes land acquisition, site preparation, infrastructure, utilities, regenerative land development, and the initial setup for gathering spaces, guest experiences, and sanctuary operations.
At the same time, we’ll begin establishing the regenerative systems that will support the long-term vision. Many of the gardens, food forests, and natural ecosystems we plan to build take years to mature, so this phase is focused on thoughtful, strategic development designed for long-term restoration, soil health, and sustainability.
As the sanctuary grows, future phases will expand into eco-cabins, wellness spaces, regenerative hospitality experiences, and the Dog Village for senior and overlooked rescue dogs.
By developing the land, sanctuary, and guest experience in parallel, we’re building Roots & Paws Sanctuary for sustainable growth, operational stability, and a healing experience that deepens over time.
What is the vision?
We envision Roots & Paws Sanctuary as a regenerative wellness destination built on 100+ acres of peaceful rolling land where nature, healing, community, and rescue come together in one immersive experience.
Surrounded by open skies, forests, hills, fresh air, and quiet landscapes, the sanctuary is designed to feel deeply connected to the natural environment - not built on top of it. Think walking trails through wildflowers and food forests, eco-cabins tucked quietly into the landscape, outdoor gathering spaces surrounded by nature, and wellness experiences woven naturally throughout the property.
The land itself will be central to the experience. Regenerative gardens, food forests, and nutrient-dense food production will support both the sanctuary and the community. Guests will be able to reconnect with where food comes from while learning practical ways to support long-term wellness and more intentional living.
The sanctuary will also include a Dog Village designed for senior, disabled, and overlooked rescue dogs - replacing traditional shelter environments with peaceful cabins, grassy yards, sunlight, and human connection.
Programming may include retreats, wellness workshops, educational gatherings, farm dinners, holistic health education, cold plunges, saunas, yoga, sound healing, and community-centered experiences - all guided by the rhythms of nature, restoration, and connection.
And this is only the beginning.
What is your ideal timeline for opening?
Our timeline is directly tied to funding and land acquisition.
Once Phase 1 funding is secured, we will begin acquiring land and preparing the property for initial sanctuary development - including infrastructure, regenerative land preparation, gathering spaces, RV/caretaker sites, and early guest experiences.
As additional phases are funded, development will continue with:
- Eco-cabins and glamping accommodations
- Wellness amenities including saunas and cold plunges
- Retreat and educational spaces
- Farm-to-table hospitality experiences
- Expanded regenerative gardens and food forests
- Development of the Dog Village for senior and overlooked rescue dogs
This phased approach allows Roots & Paws Sanctuary to grow intentionally and sustainably while ensuring the land, guest experience, rescue initiatives, and long-term mission are developed with care and long-term impact in mind.
How much will this cost?
Roots & Paws Sanctuary is being developed in three major phases, with a long-term projected development cost of approximately $3,000,000+ (excluding future expansion beyond these phases).
Phase 1: $1,000,000+
This phase focuses on land acquisition, approvals, infrastructure, and preparing the sanctuary for initial operations and guest experiences.
This includes:
• Land acquisition and closing costs
• Legal fees and due diligence
• Site clearing and land preparation
• Roads, utilities, and early infrastructure
• Initial regenerative land development
• Covered gathering and workshop spaces
• Initial glamping and RV setup
• Equipment and operational infrastructure
• Permits, planning, and launch expenses
• Initial operating runway
Phase 2: $1,000,000+
This phase focuses on building the immersive wellness and hospitality experience.
This includes:
• Eco-cabins and Aircrete domes
• Expanded glamping accommodations
• Wellness spaces including saunas and cold plunges
• Farm-to-table cafe and tea/coffee space
• Walking trails and outdoor gathering areas
• Retreat and workshop infrastructure
• Expanded regenerative gardens and food forests
• Guest experience and hospitality systems
Phase 3: $1,000,000+
This phase focuses on expanding the sanctuary’s long-term mission and impact initiatives.
This includes:
• Development of the Dog Village
• Expanded rescue and adoption infrastructure
• Additional retreat accommodations
• Community and educational spaces
• Long-term regenerative land restoration
• Expanded wellness and educational programming
• Operational growth and sustainability initiatives
Total Estimated Development: ~$3,000,000+
Roots & Paws Sanctuary is being built as a long-term regenerative project designed to create meaningful impact for people, animals, and the planet for generations to come.
This is an opportunity to help build something that blends wellness, regenerative living, hospitality, education, and rescue into one deeply meaningful destination.
What makes you different?
Roots & Paws Sanctuary is built around healing, connection, and regeneration - not growth for the sake of growth.
Unlike traditional wellness retreats or hospitality destinations, Roots & Paws is designed to bring together regenerative living, nature, community, wellness, and rescue dogs into one deeply intentional experience. The land isn’t simply the setting, it’s the foundation. Healing is woven into the environment itself through nature, nourishment, movement, restoration, community, and connection to animals.
We are intentionally building Roots & Paws Sanctuary to feel grounded, peaceful, and human. Capacity is designed for meaningful experiences and genuine connection rather than high-volume tourism or commercialized wellness.
Growth is being approached intentionally and in phases, prioritizing land stewardship, long-term sustainability, guest experience, and community impact over rapid expansion or trend-driven development.
Most importantly, Roots & Paws is being built from lived experience - shaped by personal experiences with cancer, burnout, healing, grief, and the realization that many people feel deeply disconnected from the environments that help them thrive.
Roots & Paws Sanctuary isn’t about being the biggest.
It’s about creating something deeply meaningful, restorative, and lasting.
How can I contact you?
You can reach me anytime via email. The best direct email is [email protected].
I aim to respond as quickly as possible, typically within one business day.
I can't invest but I'd love to be involved?
At this stage, our financial resources are primarily focused on land acquisition, infrastructure, and early sanctuary development, which means we are limited in our ability to immediately fund outside services.
That said, we are actively building a community of aligned collaborators, creatives, professionals, and supporters who believe in the vision and want to help bring Roots & Paws Sanctuary to life.
We’re especially interested in connecting with:
- Architects, builders, and engineers
- Regenerative agriculture and permaculture professionals
- Wellness practitioners and retreat facilitators
- Graphic designers, photographers, and brand creatives
- Videographers, storytellers, and social media teams
- Grant writers and nonprofit professionals
- Animal welfare and rescue organizations
- Hospitality and eco-tourism professionals
- Investors, sponsors, and aligned business partners
If you’re interested in being part of Roots & Paws Sanctuary early - whether through collaboration, partnership, volunteering, future contracts, or aligned support - we’d love to connect.
As the project grows and funding milestones are reached, many of these opportunities are expected to evolve into long-term and paid roles.
Where is this project located?
Roots & Paws Sanctuary is currently seeking the right property to bring the vision to life.
The ideal location includes peaceful rolling land, access to nature, and the ability to create a regenerative sanctuary environment connected to both community and restoration.
The project is currently being developed with a strong interest in locations that align with the long-term vision for healing, hospitality, and regenerative living.
STILL NOT SURE?
More Frequently Asked Questions
What is Roots & Paws Sanctuary?
Roots & Paws Sanctuary is a long-term, mission-driven project focused on regenerative living, wellness, education, community, and rescue. The sanctuary is being designed as a regenerative wellness destination where people, animals, and the land can heal together through nature, nourishment, connection, and intentional experiences.
The project combines regenerative land stewardship, eco-hospitality, wellness programming, educational experiences, and a sanctuary for senior and overlooked rescue dogs - all within a carefully phased and sustainability-focused model designed for long-term impact.
Where is Roots & Paws Sanctuary located?
Roots & Paws Sanctuary is currently in the land acquisition and development phase. We are actively searching for 100+ acres of peaceful, nature-connected land that aligns with the long-term vision for the sanctuary.
The ideal property includes rolling landscapes, open space, forests, and a strong connection to nature while still allowing accessibility for retreats, community gatherings, and educational experiences.
Specific property details will be shared as the project progresses and land opportunities are secured.
Is Roots & Paws Sanctuary a resort or retreat center?
No. Roots & Paws Sanctuary is not being designed as a traditional luxury resort or purely short-term retreat destination. Any accommodations, wellness experiences, gatherings, and educational programming are intended to support the long-term mission of the sanctuary and its focus on regenerative living, community connection, restoration, education, and rescue.
The goal is to create a place where people can reconnect with nature, animals, food, and one another in a more meaningful and restorative way - while supporting the long-term stewardship of the land and the sanctuary itself.
What stage is the project currently in?
Roots & Paws Sanctuary is currently in the early planning and development phase, with a primary focus on land acquisition, fundraising, vision development, partnerships, infrastructure planning, and long-term sustainability.
The project is being intentionally developed in phases over multiple years, allowing the sanctuary, regenerative systems, guest experiences, and rescue initiatives to grow thoughtfully and sustainably alongside the land itself.
Will there be accommodations on the property?
Yes. The long-term vision for Roots & Paws Sanctuary includes a limited number of nature-integrated accommodations designed to support the sanctuary’s educational programming, wellness experiences, retreats, community gatherings, and long-term sustainability.
Planned accommodations may include eco-cabins, glamping stays, RV sites, and other small-scale hospitality experiences intentionally designed to feel connected to the land, nature, and the slower pace of the sanctuary environment.
How is Roots & Paws Sanctuary different from traditional wellness or hospitality projects?
Roots & Paws Sanctuary is designed connection-first, not hospitality-first. Regenerative living, education, community, restoration, and rescue guide the vision, with accommodations and wellness experiences intentionally designed to support the long-term mission of the sanctuary rather than drive it.
The land itself remains central to every decision - with regenerative stewardship, nature connection, meaningful experiences, and long-term wellbeing woven throughout the property rather than treated as separate amenities.
Unlike traditional wellness destinations focused primarily on luxury or escape, Roots & Paws is being built as a living, evolving sanctuary where people, animals, community, and the land are all part of the healing experience together.
Who is behind the project?
Roots & Paws Sanctuary was founded by Jess Williams and is being developed alongside Jasper Jo Co, the nonprofit organization supporting the sanctuary’s long-term mission and community impact initiatives.
The project is supported by a growing network of collaborators, advisors, wellness professionals, regenerative agriculture advocates, animal welfare supporters, creatives, and community members who believe in building a more connected, restorative, and sustainable future.
As the sanctuary grows, the vision includes collaboration with professionals across wellness, hospitality, education, regenerative land development, nonprofit leadership, environmental stewardship, and rescue initiatives to help thoughtfully bring the project to life.
Is Roots & Paw Sanctuary open to the public?
Not at this time. Roots & Paws Sanctuary is currently in the planning, fundraising, and development phase.
Public access, accommodations, retreats, workshops, events, and sanctuary experiences will be introduced gradually and intentionally as the project grows, infrastructure is developed, and the land is prepared to support long-term sustainability and meaningful guest experiences.
Is Roots & Paws seeking investors or partner?
Yes. Roots & Paws Sanctuary is actively seeking aligned investors, donors, advisors, sponsors, land opportunities, and strategic partners who believe in the project’s long-term, mission-driven vision.
We are especially interested in connecting with individuals and organizations aligned with regenerative living, wellness, hospitality, education, sustainability, community impact, and animal welfare.
Conversations typically begin through a direct inquiry process as we continue building the right team, partnerships, and community to thoughtfully bring the sanctuary to life.
How can I learn more about the business plan or team?
Additional details regarding the project vision, development plans, financial projections, partnerships, and long-term strategy may be shared with qualified investors, strategic partners, and aligned collaborators as the project progresses.
Conversations typically begin through a direct inquiry process to ensure alignment with the long-term mission, values, and vision behind Roots & Paws Sanctuary and Jasper Jo Co.
Will Roots & Paws Sanctuary offer events, retreats, or weddings?
Yes. The long-term vision for Roots & Paws Sanctuary includes retreats, educational workshops, wellness experiences, community gatherings, intimate weddings, and other nature-connected events designed to align with the sanctuary’s mission and long-term stewardship of the land.
All future programming will be introduced intentionally and in phases as the property, infrastructure, and sanctuary operations develop over time. No public events or accommodations are currently available at this stage of development.
When will Roots & Paws Sanctuary open?
There is currently no fixed opening date. Roots & Paws Sanctuary is being built intentionally and in phases, with progress guided by land acquisition, fundraising, infrastructure development, regulatory considerations, and long-term sustainability rather than arbitrary timelines.
The focus is on building the sanctuary thoughtfully - allowing the land, regenerative systems, accommodations, wellness spaces, and rescue initiatives to develop in alignment with the long-term vision and mission behind the project.
Can I visit the land?
Not at this time. Roots & Paws Sanctuary is currently in the planning, fundraising, and land acquisition phase, and no property is currently open for public visits.
As the project progresses and future land opportunities are secured, updates regarding tours, events, volunteer opportunities, and community access will be shared when appropriate.
How will Roots & Paws sustain itself financially?
Roots & Paws Sanctuary is being designed with multiple long-term revenue streams intended to support operational sustainability while remaining aligned with the mission of the sanctuary.
Potential revenue streams may include:
- Eco-stays and glamping accommodations
- Retreats and wellness experiences
- Educational workshops and programming
- Weddings and community events
- Farm-to-table hospitality experiences
- Wellness memberships and digital education
- Brand partnerships and sponsorships
- Donations and nonprofit-supported initiatives through Jasper Jo Co
The goal is to create a financially sustainable model where hospitality, education, wellness, and regenerative stewardship work together to support long-term impact.
Why combine wellness, regenerative living, and rescue?
Roots & Paws Sanctuary is built on the belief that healing does not happen in isolation. The environments we live in, the food we eat, the land we care for, the animals we connect with, and the communities we build all influence long-term wellbeing.
Rather than separating these ideas, the sanctuary is designed to bring them together in one connected experience rooted in restoration, compassion, and meaningful connection.
Why focus on regenerative land practices?
The health of soil, food, ecosystems, animals, and people are deeply interconnected. Roots & Paws Sanctuary is being designed around regenerative principles that prioritize long-term land stewardship, biodiversity, soil health, sustainability, and restoration.
The intention is to help create a healthier environment not only for guests and animals, but for future generations as well.
Is this a nonprofit or a business?
Roots & Paws Sanctuary and Jasper Jo Co work together to support the broader mission.
Jasper Jo Co serves as the nonprofit organization supporting education, community initiatives, rescue support, and mission-driven impact, while Roots & Paws Sanctuary is being developed as a long-term regenerative hospitality and wellness destination designed to help sustainably support the sanctuary’s operations and future growth.
Why Now?
Modern life has left many people feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, burned out, and increasingly separated from the environments that help them thrive.
At the same time, demand for wellness experiences, regenerative living, intentional hospitality, and meaningful connection continues to grow rapidly.
Roots & Paws Sanctuary exists to help meet that moment by creating a place centered around restoration, nature, community, education, and healing.
How can I stay updated?
Updates regarding Roots & Paws Sanctuary and Jasper Jo Co will be shared periodically through our website, email list, and official social media channels as the project continues to grow and develop.
We’ll be sharing progress updates, fundraising milestones, land developments, partnerships, events, and behind-the-scenes moments as we continue building the vision.