Page 49 - BusinessWest February 21, 2022

Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni says Roca works to help people “disentangle” themselves from the trauma in their lives.
region, one committed to helping them traverse the whitewater in their lives and get on a course that enables them to be productive members of society.
“Our young people, and the young people in EACH in particular, have
had so many disadvantages and so many hurdles put in front of them,
from day one — lack of parenting, lack of mentorship, lack of positive role models, lack of opportunity — just tough environments,” Gulluni explained. “They’ve suffered so much trauma, and that’s stuff that lives with people. And Roca works to disentangle that and works to support these young people and help them see better things and do better things.”
As noted, a number of area employers have also become partners with Roca, providing employment opportunities to participants. Several area companies, large and small, have hired graduates or have plans to do so. They include manufacturers such as Meredith Springfield in Ludlow, maker of plastic products, and McKenzie Vault in East Longmeadow, which produces cremation urns; distributors such as J. Polep in Chicopee; landscaping firms; municipal public-works departments; and Baystate Health, which expects
to soon have some graduates of the program for young mothers working in its Hospitality Department.
AnnaMarie Golden, director of Community Relations at Baystate Health, said the system
was already a partner with Roca, with members of its trauma and social-work teams meeting with participants, including those in the young mothers’ program. Through that involvement, the system became aware of another need — for employment opportunities for these women.
“One of the entry doors at Baystate is our Hospitality department — food services and guest services,” she explained. “Our goal is to have them get their foot in the door at Baystate, but the ultimate goal is to have them think about what the next steps might be and consider career steps within the organization if there is interest to stay
“
in the healthcare field.”
It is sentiments like these that certainly help
explain why Roca is worthy of that designation Difference Maker. It is making a huge difference in the lives of participants in its programs, and a huge difference in this region as well.
They’ve suffered so much
trauma, and that’s stuff that lives with people. And Roca works to disentangle that and works to support these young people and help them see better t”hings and do better things.
Congratulations to the  Difference Makers
• Tara Brewster, Vice President of Business Development, Greenfield Savings Bank • The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts
• Stefan Davis, Founder and CEO, I Found Light Against All Odds
• Heriberto Flores, President, New England Farm Workers' Council
• John Greaney, Retired State Supreme Court Justice; Senior Counsel, Bulkley Richardson • Ruth Griggs, President, Northampton Jazz Festival; Principal, RC Communications
• Ted Hebert, Founder and Owner, Teddy Bear Pools and Spas • ROCA Holyoke and Springfield
As leaders in our region, you have ‘Seized the Day’ by encouraging others to reach beyond their potential, helping those in need, possessing an entrepreneurial and innovative spirit, and inspiring people through your actions.
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FEBRUARY 21, 2022 49