FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

First Daniel’s Law Pilot Program, HOPE First Roc, Launches in Rochester, NY

Rochester, NY— Five years after the killing of Daniel Prude by RPD while he was experiencing a mental health crisis, a new chapter in compassionate crisis response has begun in Rochester. 

Created by the Rochester Community Advisory Board of the Daniel’s Law Coalition, HOPE First Roc is a peer-led, non-police crisis response initiative. HOPE, which stands for Healing Outreach and Peer Engagement, provides an alternative to policing rooted in dignity, lived experience, and community trust. This community-led program mobilizes trained peer responders to offer voluntary, trauma-informed support during moments of crisis—without involving police. Starting this Fall, community responders will be providing health-led, peer-led responses to the 19th Ward and Genesee-Jefferson neighborhoods.

HOPE First Roc was created in response to long-standing community calls for alternatives to policing—calls made even more urgent following the killing of Daniel Prude in 2020. This project honors Prude’s legacy while building new possibilities for safety and healing. The initiative is supported by the Daniel’s Law Coalition and Free The People Rochester, and is inspired by decades of successful peer-led crisis models like Crisis Assistance Helping out on the Streets (CAHOOTS) in Eugene, Oregon and Support Team Assisted Responder (STAR) in Denver, Colorado. 

"As a daughter of someone who died at the hands of a police officer from the Rochester Police Department, I'd like to express my sincerest appreciation for the creation of the HOPE First Roc peer-led crisis response program, as this initiative may bring forth more attention to victims and family members of those that have perished due to police violence, as well as aiming to provide Community Responders with safe and effective training when responding to calls for individuals in mental health distress.” said Victoria McDonald, “I am thankful for the creation of this program and hope to be able to support its growth, development and potential expansion across New York State, and potentially, the United States." 

We’re Hiring! Join the Team! 

HOPE First Roc is building a team of community responders and support staff committed to values of compassion, community leadership, and equity. We are currently hiring for the positions of Director, Community Response Coordinator, and Community Responder. Interested candidates are encouraged to learn more and apply via the website: HOPEFirstRoc.org/work-with-us

How the Community Can Support:

• Share the job postings within your networks

• Invite HOPE First Roc to speak or table at local events

• Volunteer with us to assist with outreach and storytelling efforts

For media inquiries, collaborations, or to discuss getting involved with HOPE First Roc, contact admin@hopefirstroc.org.

Together, we can build a future where care—not punishment—is the first response. 

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