Larson Announces $1 Million for Roca Hartford’s Young Mothers’ Program

Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) visited Roca Hartford to announce $1 million in city funding from the American Rescue Plan COVID relief legislation for their Young Mothers’ Program.

“Directing more resources to community violence prevention has been one of my top priorities in Congress,” said Larson. “During the COVID pandemic, our nation saw a rise in domestic violence. This funding from the American Rescue Plan, that I helped author and pass in Congress, has brought Roca’s Young Mothers’ Program to Hartford. We saw firsthand today how they are already making a difference in these mothers’ lives by investing in young families who too often fall through the cracks.” 

“The American Rescue Plan grant was pivotal in bringing Roca to Hartford to work with young women and children at critical risk. We opened Roca Hartford in October 2021 and received 75 referrals in the first six months. Roca Hartford is often the last resort for young mothers at the center of urban violence who are at risk of being separated from their children. This investment will help us meet our goal of serving 300 young women over four years,” said Sunindiya Bhalla, Roca Inc. Executive Vice President, Women & 2Gen. 

Through the Young Mother’s program, Roca Hartford is already working with nearly 50 mothers between the ages of 16 and 24 in the Greater Hartford area, many directly impacted by gun violence. Roca will be able to serve 300 over the next four years with federal support. Roca partners with local stakeholders, including the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and police departments to coordinate intervention strategies and improve outcomes for the families they serve.