About Stronger Roots Alliance

Built from lived experience. Rooted in possibility.

Two formerly incarcerated college students saw a gap that deserved attention: children can lose access to the very activities that help them thrive when families are rebuilding.

Our story

We know what opportunity can mean.

Stronger Roots Alliance was founded by Robert Mansfield and Sarah Polanco, who met in college through Project Rebound, a formerly incarcerated student support program located across the California State Universities.

Through their own experiences, they saw how difficult it can be for formerly incarcerated parents to rebuild while also trying to support their children. Extracurricular activities can be costly, and busy schedules can make it even harder to find and maintain opportunities.

They wanted to create a practical way to give back: help children access positive activities while giving parents more chances to show up, reconnect and build healthy community ties.

Meet the founders

Co-Founder

Robert Mansfield

Robert grew up with an incarcerated father and absent mother. Without consistent parental support, he sought community in gangs and with his neighborhood, which quickly led him into a life sentence. His experience shaped his belief that children deserve positive opportunities, connection and a strong sense of belonging.

Robert is currently working toward his bachelor's degree and is committed to using his lived experience to help create stronger futures for children and families.

Co-Founder

Sarah Polanco

Sarah is a formerly incarcerated scholar and a former soccer player. She played sports from a young age, and they helped keep her grounded during hard times prior to her incarceration. Sports gave her structure, connection and a positive outlet.

Sarah is now a social worker who believes sports can help root children and families in their communities by creating access to safe spaces, positive relationships and opportunities to grow. She is currently working toward her MSW.

“Strong roots lead to strong futures.”

Our mission is to remove financial barriers to sports and enrichment opportunities for children of formerly incarcerated parents while strengthening family relationships and fostering healthy community connections.