To create safer neighborhoods in communities beset by high levels of violence, multiple approaches are needed. Roca, Inc, offers one such approach. Roca seeks out young people who are at risk of engaging in violent acts, engages them in meaningful relationships that build trust, offers them opportunities to learn a set of skills and competencies that might lead to behavioral change, and support them in living into their own dreams. It’s an approach that works, and Chris Judd and Carl Miranda will join us to explain how. Christine (Chris) Judd is the Director of Roca Springfield and Holyoke. Since 2011, Chris has been leading Roca’s work with high-risk young men and mothers in Western Massachusetts. As the Director, Chris oversees the Roca’s High-Risk Young Men, which focuses on young people who are deeply involved in the criminal justice system and are not ready, willing, or able to participate in any other program or jobs. She led the program through major expansions, including the opening of the High-Risk Young Mothers program in Western Massachusetts in 2017.