In 1977, a group of 10 Wichita women began meeting informally because of their deep concern for children who were trapped in the foster care system and had little hope of finding a permanent home.

That initial group researched the issues, led a campaign for legislative reform, promoted their mission to help children find safe, permanent homes, and raised the money (much of it their own) to fund a two-year demonstration project.

In 1980, the group established Roots & Wings, Inc. as a private, not-for-profit volunteer organization.

The agency was founded on the belief that children who are provided with secure, supportive, and permanent homes will have roots which will nourish them throughout their lives; then, too they will have wings to help them soar toward the promise of their potential.