Residents of Color Collective

Residents of Color Collective - ROCC, BIPOC led, founded in May of 2019 with the intent of creating a voice and sanctuary for BIPOC familied living in West Saint Paul, Minnesota and throughout Dakota County to ensure they have access to knowledge, programs, assistance, and community connection while advocating for changes that remove barriers and connects families of color to accessible resources. 

Since 2019, (ROCC) has provided a sanctuary of empowerment for the BIPOC and underserved communities by changing the way essential resources are delivered and made accessible to improve the day to day lives of BIPOC families and individuals.

Led by 25 years of community organizing experience through our founder and Executive Director Kae Jae Johnson, we have connected with local businesses, organizations, and individuals for the purpose of developing programs that address the needs and issues in the communities of color.

ROCC believes that building community through partnerships create a highway of resources and by adding the lanes of our partners, we have:

1. Equipped 800 students with new backpacks and supplies to ensure they have the tools to learn.
2. Warmed 300 individuals with new and gentle used coats to protect them in Minnesota’s brutal winter.
3. Addressed food insecurities by giving away 350,000 pounds of food to families in need.
4. Developed over 60 BIPOC youths through our ROCC C.L.I.M.B.E.R.S and community garden program.
5. Connected community families and individuals to needed help through monthly after-hours resources fairs. 

Programs that will benefit from your support

1. ROCC C.L.I.M.B.E.R.S - A free leadership program for BIPOC youth that develops them to Create, Lead. Inspire. Build, Encourage, Respect, and Serve the world around them through:
2. ROCC 2 Nature - is designed to encourage the love of nature and Stewardship in BIPOB youth living in West St. Paul by hosting free nature-based community activities and bringing learning opportunities to the doorsteps of those living in apartment complexes in partnership with local parks and nature centers.
3. ROCC Climbers Garden: promotes healthy eating while teaching youth the importance of growing their own food and stewardship.  All produce grown will be given to families facing food insecurities.
4. After School ROCC: ROCC Climbers has partnered with local school district to make our leadership program accessible for BIPOC youths at school. 

5. ROCC the Resources: monthly event that provides rental assistance, wellness checks, domestic and sexual abuse support, employment and vocational opportunities. 

   ROCC’s goals:

   • Expand our reach to more BIPOC communities throughout Minnesota,
   • Continue to offer free programming for our ROCC C.L.I.M.B.E.R.S and impact more BIPOC youth.
   • Add more educational and leadership opportunities for our youth.
   • Increase professional and vocational opportunities for adults.
   • Grow our community partnerships and engagements.