Global Outreach - Olive Root Foundation

The Olive Root Foundation is a mother-daughter nonprofit, created by Kiristi and Isabel Marassa, and inspired by a shared calling to address the urgent oral health crisis affecting Uganda and many parts of Africa. Widespread oral disease—fueled by inadequate hygiene, limited education, and scarce resources—has left countless individuals in need of care. Olive Root's mission is to provide dental hygiene kits and educational materials to vulnerable communities, planting the seeds for long-term health and well-being.

The foundation name, Olive Root, holds deep personal and symbolic significance. It honors Olive, our cherished Frenchton dog and therapy companion you may recognize from your visits to our office Riverside Heights Dental, where she brings comfort and emotional support to patients. The olive tree, rooted in biblical meaning, represents peace, new beginnings, and divine grace—values that guide our work as we extend compassion and faith-driven service to those in need. With your support, we can continue to grow our impact, one smile at a time.

Visit the Olive Root Foundation's website to learn how we are providing dental care for those without access and how you can help!