ROCA, Inc.

Roca is a violence intervention and behavioral health organization in Chelsea working with young adults aged 16 to 24 who carry complex trauma and are at the highest risk of shooting someone or being shot. Its model rests on the idea that addressing trauma can interrupt violence and drive wider change. Staff also work with police and other adults in public systems that shape young people’s lives and influence urban violence.

The organization’s mission is to relentlessly disrupt violence by engaging young people, police and systems to heal trauma, find hope and drive change. Roca seeks out young people who have lost trust and hope for the future and keeps showing up even when they fail, building trust over time. Its approach is summed up as creating safety and stability, teaching life-saving skills, practicing, relapsing and repeating, and engaging systems partners.

What to Know

• Roca’s program is grounded in Rewire CBT, a cognitive behavioral therapy approach.
• The organization publishes an annual report.
• Donations and other ways to give support the program.