Park Street witnessed an extraordinary gathering Wednesday evening. Hundreds of young people, their supporters, and community partners assembled alongside regional leaders to mark three decades of Roca’s work transforming lives. The atmosphere brimmed with stories of resilience, commitment, and profound change.
To commemorate its 30th anniversary, Roca brought together participants, staff, alumni, and institutional partners for an evening featuring live performances and meals. The organization’s leadership used the occasion to express gratitude toward the community members, institutional allies, and supporters whose contributions have proven vital to improving outcomes for young people.
Molly Baldwin, Roca’s Founder and CEO, offered this reflection: “I am in awe of all of you and all the young people we have met, had the honor of working with the last 30 years and all of the Roca team, our partners and this community who made all this relentlessness possible,”
The celebration included recognition of seven individuals selected as Roca30 Unsung Hero Awardees: state Sen. Sal DiDomenico, Probation Commissioner Edward Dolan, Youth Services Commissioner Peter Forbes, Boston Police Captain Haseeb Hosein, Chelsea Police Captain David Batchelor, Hampden County First Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Fitzgerald, and Kim Hanton, who directs diversionary addiction services at North Suffolk Mental Health Association.
Baldwin elaborated further: “These seven individuals work on issues and for people who are well out of the headlines and far from the limelight because it’s the right thing and because it makes a difference,” “They are truly unsung heroes.”
Jay Ash, secretary of housing and economic development under Gov. Charlie Baker, served as a keynote speaker, alongside Harry Spence, former Receiver of Chelsea and Massachusetts Court Administration, and Eric Rodriguez, an original Roca youth participant and lead pastor of The Way Church.
Seven young people themselves received recognition as unsung heroes that evening—individuals whose trajectories have been reshaped through Roca’s persistent engagement, its program offerings, and collaborative relationships. The honorees included Joseph Acosta, Caralis Rosario Hernandez, Dakwam Johnson, Ana Mejia, Amauris Melendez, Gage Morrow, and Dennis Rodriguez.
Throughout their remarks, speakers consistently acknowledged Roca’s leadership structure, particularly highlighting Molly Baldwin’s instrumental role across the organization’s three-decade history. Ash, formerly Chelsea’s City Manager, presented Baldwin with an award recognizing her contributions, emphasizing that her personal drive has fundamentally shaped Roca’s trajectory and accomplishments.
According to Ash: “If not for Molly Baldwin, there are so many people who wouldn’t be where they are or even alive today,” “Molly’s life of service and her relentlessness is an inspiration to us all.”