
Our Story
At The ROCK Center, we believe in the transformative power of the arts to heal. Born from the Parkview Church’s desire to serve the Del Mar Park Neighborhood, our journey began in the early 2000s with community engagement programs designed to respond to local needs.
Officially founded as a 501(c)(3) in 2015, we’ve evolved into an independent organization dedicated to supporting children, youth, and families. With a focus on addressing trauma—from housing insecurity to violence—we provide innovative, art-based programming rooted in mental wellness and resilience research.
Our mission is simple: Transforming lives through mindfulness, arts, healing, and a sense of belonging. Through partnerships with local schools, community organizations, and local community artists that reflect the diversity of the larger ROCK Center community, we deliver in-school and after-school programs, summer programming, youth leader development, and caregiver support, all aimed at building resilience and mental wellness through the arts.
In a time when youth mental health is a pressing concern, The ROCK Center embeds resilience-building practices within schools and communities, creating accessible pathways of support and empowering youth to thrive. Join us in fostering connection, coping skills, and creativity to heal and transform our community.

Mission
Transforming lives through mindfulness, arts, healing, and a sense of belonging

Vision
A model of mental wellness that expands the capacity for transformation.
The ROCK Center Inclusivity Statement
At The ROCK Center, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to building strong, thriving communities. We are committed to fostering an environment where all individuals—regardless of race, color, national origin (ancestry), gender, sexual orientation or expression, religion (creed), political affiliation, citizenship status, age, size, marital status, or disability—are respected, valued, and empowered to participate fully in our programs, partnerships, and leadership.
We acknowledge that hiring practices, access to services, and leadership opportunities have historically and systemically excluded entire communities, including people of color, people from working-class backgrounds, women, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. We are committed to actively working against these inequities by cultivating an inclusive, relationship-centered culture where historically marginalized voices are uplifted and celebrated.
Discrimination or harassment of any kind has no place in our organization. This commitment extends across all aspects of our work, including board membership, employment decisions, volunteer and intern selection, vendor partnerships, and the services we provide.
We strongly encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds and communities to engage with The ROCK Center—whether as staff, participants, or partners—as we work together to create spaces of belonging, justice, and opportunity for all.