About H.E.R.O.

H.E.R.O. (Healing • Empathy • Redemption • Oasis) is a holistic nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals and communities across North America, the Caribbean, the African Diaspora, and the world. We focus on supporting the human spirit and the environment through innovative, grassroots, community-based initiatives that promote healing, empathy, and connection.

Our Origin & Founder

Founded by Judith Foster, a Dorchester native with roots in Linstead, Jamaica, H.E.R.O. was born.  From profound loss, transformed into a movement of collective healing. After the tragic passing of her son in 2013, Judith turned grief into purpose, creating spaces where individuals and families could find strength, restoration, and hope through nature, art, and community connection.

Judith is also the Founder of the U.S. Forest Initiative, which inspired legislation such as Bill S.791 – Making Nature Prescriptive, a groundbreaking effort to integrate nature into healthcare by allowing medical and mental health providers to prescribe time outdoors as a reimbursable form of care.

What We Do

H.E.R.O. leads with a belief that healing people and healing the planet are inseparable. Our programs are designed to nurture emotional, spiritual, and ecological well-being through creativity, community, and care.

Our Core Programs:

• Nature Healing Walks: Guided experiences that help participants restore calm, reduce stress, and reconnect with the natural world.
• Art2Heart: A creative healing program using art, music, and storytelling to inspire resilience and transformation.
• Workshops & Trainings
• Policy & Advocacy: Advancing initiatives like the U.S. Forest Initiative and Bill S.791, promoting nature-based healing as part of healthcare policy.
• Community Partnerships: Collaborating with local and international organizations to expand access to healing programs and green spaces.

Testimonials

"I found myself controlling my breathing; things that didn't matter to me as simple as breathing now has meaning to me again. ~ Steven Fleury, HERO Nature Walk Participant ~

Spending the day with Judith Foster is better than any antidepressant or medicine ever! Thank you, Judy, for being the positive, loving angel of a friend that you are, and hanging out with you. Thank you for lifting my spirits. ~ Cheryl Benedetti Nadolny, Former HERO Board Member ~

I am a veteran of OEF and OIF who has learned to live with chronic pain and post-traumatic stress. H.E.R.O Nurturing Center, and the Nature Healing Walks, allowed me to be more healthy, mindful, and at peace. Judith Foster has an intimate and deep understanding of healing from life's traumas and stress.

I learned a lot from the Nature Healing Walks, and will now be able to have a more rewarding and caring relationship with nature, myself, and others. Veterans and many of us who experience physical or mental pain, can learn more about themselves nature and others, from H.E.R.O Nurturing Center's Nature Healing Walks, and gain assistance in reintegrating them into a more healthy lifestyle mental routines.

I am very fortunate to have been a part of the H.E.R.O Nurturing Center's Nature Healing Walks with Judith Foster. I gained extremely valuable peace and an appreciation for nature that is just beyond our doorstep. ~`Sieh Samura OEF OIF Veteran - Boston, MA`~