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What We Do

The ROCK Center offers arts-based community programming for youth and families that focuses on cultivating resilience and mental wellness through connection, coping skills, and competence.

Our Approach to Mental Wellness

We believe that the challenges our students and their communities face regarding mental health, substance misuse, and violence cannot be solved by traditional models of individualized talk therapy alone. Our work with our community has led us to believe that at the core of many of these challenges are feelings of isolation and disconnect from community. We believe part of the solution must be in creating spaces of authentic connecting where students practice being in community as an act of healing. Finally, we believe that all transformation and change begins within. We practice mindfulness as a means of empowering a deeper awareness of self, and cultivating the strengths and gifts we each bring to community. This is a model of mental wellness that expands the capacity for transformation.

Build Connection Skills

Youth who participate in ROCK Center programming will develop positive relationships skills such as helping others, resolving conflict through dialogue, and learning interpersonal communication skills through the arts.

Build Coping Skills

Youth who participate in ROCK Center programming will improve their abilities to identify, express, and modulate their emotions and behaviors. Some examples include knowing how to calm down when feeling upset, learning how to talk to others about their feelings, and identifying mindfulness tools to help them move through anger.

Build Competencies

ROCK Center participants will be able to identify areas in which they have gained new levels of skill. From visual art, to spoken word poetry, and music making, they will have the chance to work with partner artist to grow and expand their skill set.