Strengthening Compassionate Communities
The ROCK Center is dedicated to strengthening compassion, connection, and emotional well-being across Southwest Florida. We offer presentations, workshops, and customized partnerships that support the unique goals of local schools, nonprofits, community organizations, and local businesses. We are proud collaborators in the Compassionate Southwest Florida initiative, working closely with the Quality Life Center and other regional partners.
See How ROCK Is Making News
Read, listen, and view the articles, podcasts, and videos that feature ROCK instructors and students working to bring kindness and compassion to the community.
Learn MoreOur youth programming spans early childhood through high school. We provide:
- Reading programs for PreK–5 led by trained FGCU students
- Mindfulness and anti-bullying sessions for K-12
- Meditation and self-compassion presentations for local school children
- Summer workshops for camps and youth programs
- Interactive sessions for children and adults in church programs
For older adults, we lead ROCK of Ages, an intergenerational project directed by Maria Roca and FGCU alumnus and LA-based filmmaker Jameson Yingling. Students “adopt” an elder, interview them, and share their stories of compassion—creating meaningful connections that bridge generations. This project is offered in partnership with the Shady Rest Institute on Positive Aging.
The ROCK Center is also a proud partner in the k20 Kindness Summit, hosted at Florida Gulf Coast University. This four-day gathering brings together global kindness leaders, educators, students, and community members for presentations, workshops, and public programs focused on compassion, leadership, and social impact. By connecting international voices with local initiatives, the Summit strengthens Southwest Florida’s growing culture of kindness and creates opportunities for meaningful dialogue, learning, and action.
Early bird pricing available until May 1st. Code: EARLYBIRD
To date, the ROCK Center has partnered with more than 40 local schools, after-school
programs, and senior centers, including:
Babcock Neighborhood School • Bonita Springs Charter School • Bonita Springs Senior
Center • Colonial Elementary • Cypress Palm Middle • Edgewood Academy • East Naples
Middle • Fort Myers Middle • Franklin Park Elementary • Gateway Trinity Lutheran Church
• Golden Gate Middle (with Grace Place) • Laurel Oak Elementary • Little Eagles Childcare
Center at FGCU • Naples United Church of Christ • Oakridge Middle • Pine Ridge Middle
• Quality Life Center • San Carlos Park Elementary • Shell Point • St. Andrew Catholic
• St. Francis Xavier Catholic • Tice Elementary
Support & Donations
Together, we can cultivate kindness and compassion across Southwest Florida through education, outreach, and community connection.
