Wellness Activities

A Wellness Series for Violence Intervention Specialists (VIS), Credible Messengers (CM) and Change Agents

Join us for as many sessions as you’d like. Most sessions are FREE, but registration is required for each session. 

When? Wednesday, March 11, 2026 from 11am-1pm

Where? ROCA 880 Park Ave. Baltimore, MD 21201

Presenters: Monifa Jeffrey-Riggins, LCSW-C of The ROAR Center; Brianna Rock, MHP, LCSW-C of UMMS Shock Trauma and Che’ Bullock, CEO of C. Bullock & Associates

You respond to the call of duty in the community, support someone at bedside, share yourself with those you serve, listen and provide emotional support to people who experienced traumatic events. Your role requires you to engage in this cycle repeatedly. With each encounter you are affected. In this Part I workshop, participants will learn how repeated exposure to trauma can affect our brain, body, emotions, and relationships — often in ways that go unnoticed. Our goal is to increase awareness, reduce stigma and shame, and help participants recognize the possible signs in themselves and others.

When? Wednesday, March 25, 2026 from 11am-1pm

Where? ROCA 880 Park Ave. Baltimore, MD 21201

Presenters: Monifa Jeffrey-Riggins, LCSW-C of The ROAR Center; Brianna Rock, MHP, LCSW-C of UMMS Shock Trauma and Che’ Bullock, CEO of C. Bullock & Associates

Amid everything that may occur at work and in our lives, there is always an opportunity or a solution that can help us feel and function better. Building on Part I, this workshop will focus on collectively exploring practical strategies to prevent burnout and manage the impact of trauma exposure. Participants will learn tools for emotional regulation & nervous system reset, boundary-setting, and sustainable self-care tailored to frontline work. Our goal is to equip participants with actionable skills and a plan that supports long-term wellbeing and wellness.

When?
Tuesday, March 31, 2026 from 6pm-7:30pm (location TBD)
Tuesday, April 7, 2026 from 6pm-7:30pm (virtual)
Tuesday, April 14, 2026 from 6pm-8pm (location TBD)

Presenters: LaMarr Darnell Shields and Marc Deveaux of The Short Kuts Show, and Monifa Jeffrey-Riggins of The ROAR Center

Do you find yourself always telling a story? Have you been told that you’re a great storyteller? Do you want to tell your story in some way? If you answered yes to any of these questions, Stories That Heal may be for you!

Stories That Heal is a 3-session reflective, interactive class that explores how storytelling can be a powerful tool for healing, self-awareness, and connection. Through guided activities, group discussions, story development exercises, and shared stories, participants are invited to make meaning of their own experiences and honor the stories they carry.

Each session builds on the other. In the 3^rd and final session, a few participants will be given the opportunity to share their story with the group. This class creates a brave and supportive space to listen, speak, and be seen—without pressure to share or have it all figured out. Participants who complete the 3-session series will receive a digital Storytelling Toolkit for continued practice and application in their personal, professional and community work.

When? Wednesday, April 8, 2026 from 1pm-2:30pm

Where? ROCA 880 Park Ave. Baltimore, MD 21201

Instructor: Ibrahim Turay

You carry a lot. You take care of yourself, those you love, those at work and in your community. When do you give yourself the time to stop and take care of your mind, body and spirit? You need it.

Catch your breath gives you 90 minutes to breathe, reset, and rebuild your strength from the inside out. This light movement class offers participants practical culturally grounded wellness strategies rooted in traditional Chinese and African principles of energetic systems that support the regulation of anger, anxiety, internal triggers and self-management.

The experience will help participants become more aware of themselves and learn basic movement and breath strategies through Tai Qi and Qi Gong. Come move, breathe, and recharge with a practice made for real life, real stress, and real resilience with Ibrahim Turay.

When? Meets weekly on Tuesdays from April 14 – June 2, 2026, 6pm – 7:30pm (time may shift slightly)

Where? Virtual via Zoom

Facilitated by: A trio of men who include a therapist and credible messengers

You show up for others every day. You are often the steady presence in the storm. You take on a lot and take it all in. What do you do with it all? How do you lay it down?

This 8-week virtual peer support and healing group is designed specifically for men working on the frontlines of violence intervention, hospital response, and community-based CVI support. This is a confidential space to talk openly about the weight of the work — and the weight of being a man carrying it.

Together, with an emphasis on non-judgement, healing and recovery, topics related to mental health can range from stress, trauma, relationships & fatherhood, maintaining a healthy work and life balance to redefining strength and manhood.

For six weeks, we focus on your support and healing — not just what you provide to others. This is an opportunity to come as you are with other men interested in support for yourself and each other.

Those who register for the men’s group will be individually contacted by Monifa J-Riggins for additional group registration details.

When? Thursday, April 16, 2026 from 11am-1pm

Where? ROCA 880 Park Ave. Baltimore, MD 21201

Presenter: Dr. Judi “Shay” Brown-Brown

We matter. And our health certainly matters. In the busyness of our lives too many of us overlook our health and nutrition. It’s easy to do. Join us for an interactive nutrition and physical wellness class designed specifically for frontline community professionals and change agents working in high-stress environments. 

This class will equip participants with practical, realistic strategies to improve energy, manage stress, and support long-term physical health despite demanding schedules. Led by Dr. Shay Brown-Brown, this class connects nutrition, movement, and lifestyle habits to enhance mental resilience and help prevent injury. Participants will engage in hands-on education, guided techniques, and discussion focused on sustainable wellness rather than quick fixes. Our goal is to empower participants to care for their bodies as intentionally as they care for their communities.

When? Thursday, May 13, 2026 from 11am – 1pm

Where? ROCA 880 Park Ave. Baltimore, MD 21201

Presenter: Tatyana Martin, MMT, LPMT, MT-BC

Violence prevention and victim services work requires energy, emotional strength, awareness and resilience. To help us move through life, many people turn to music—a universal language—to cope, soothe, connect or boost us in some way. The Power of the Playlist is an interactive workshop that explores how music can be used as a tool for emotional awareness and regulation, stress relief, and nervous system reset.

Led by a music therapist, participants will learn what music therapy is, how to access services, and how music affects mood, memory, and how to engage with music more mindfully to avoid retraumatization. Participants will engage in music therapy exercises, allowing participants a needed opportunity to reflect, restore, and release through music.

When? Wednesday, May 20, 2026 from 11am – 1pm

Where? ROCA 880 Park Ave. Baltimore, MD 21201

Panelists: Andrea Harrison, Assistant Director for Special Projects Development at ROCA; Wil Torriente, MS, BS, CHW, Violence Response Team Manager at Sinai Hospital; Eric (E.B.) Brown of The Peace Team; Che’ Bullock, CEO of C. Bullock & Associates and TBD

You show up at hospital bedsides, in communities, and alongside families navigating the devastating impact of violence. You do this work because you care deeply and are committed to those you serve and purpose. But whether you’re new to the field or have years of experience, have you asked yourself: What’s next? Where do I go from here?

This dynamic panel is designed for violence intervention specialists, credible messengers, hospital responders, and community-based change agents who are thinking about their next step.

Join CVI, violence prevention, victim services leaders & change agents for an honest conversation about:

• Career pathways and advancement opportunities
• Barriers in the field — and how to navigate them
• Creative and non-traditional career moves
• Turning lived experience into long-term professional growth

This is more than a panel. It’s a space for real talk about sustainability, mobility, and building a career rooted in purpose. Come ready to reflect, learn, and explore what’s possible for your future in this work.

When? Saturday, June 13, 2026

Where? Location TBD

Organizer: Monifa Jeffrey-Riggins and Special Guest David Miller

Let’s come together, unwind and fish on the Chesapeake Bay. Together, we’ll connect with nature, the water, relieve stress and catch some fish! If you’ve never fished before or if you’re an avid fisher, this fishing trip is for you! Because this is for you, this trip is for adults only and those in the CVI community (i.e., Violence Intervention Specialists, Credible Messengers, Change Agents, etc.). See you there!

Ready to go fishing? If so, this fishing trip has a cost and additional need-to knows. Check back for more details!