FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 8, 2014

CONTACT: Peter Van Delft
(617) 704-6682

SHERIFF TOMPKINS LENDS SUPPORT TO ROCA AT 9TH ANNUAL COMMUNITY BREAKFAST

Sheriff Steven W. Tompkins with (far left to right) Ariel Vega, Thaddeus Miles and Jason Burrell at Roca’s 9th Annual Community Breakfast.

Suffolk County Sheriff Steven W. Tompkins continued in his support for Roca, attending the organization’s 9th Annual Breakfast, which was held at the Seaport Hotel in South Boston.

Since its inception in 1988, Roca has pursued its mission to help disengaged and disenfranchised young people move out of violence and poverty. An outcomes–driven organization, Roca is dedicated to transforming the lives of the most high–risk young people ages 17–24 (street, court, and gang–involved; drop–outs; young parents; refugees; and, immigrants).

Attending the breakfast with Sheriff Tompkins were House of Correction Superintendent Yolanda Smith and Deputy Superintendent Rachelle Steinberg, who heard moving and inspirational addresses made by Chelsea City Manager Jay Ash; CEO and Founder of Roca, Molly Baldwin; Vichey Phoung Peace Award Winner Kelord Kynard; Roca board member and alumnus Eric Rodriguez; Guest Speaker and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative Bryan Stevenson; and Dwight Robinson, President of Roca’s Board of Directors.

Following the event, Sheriff Tompkins spoke about both the organization and the person entrusted with its mission.

“Roca has been a critical component in the movement to reduce violence in our communities by reaching out to young people in need of intervention services,” said Sheriff Tompkins. “Molly Baldwin is a dynamic leader and a great partner in our collective effort to increase public health and safety. She believes, as we in the Department believe, that it is our responsibility to work together to keep young people out of prison and to provide the tools for success for those who have offended and are coming back into society.”

To learn more about Roca, please visit: www.rocainc.org.

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