About Us

The Social Impact Center

The Social Impact Center (SIC) was founded in 2000 with a mission to create and implement educational and economic development programs to strengthen the Roxbury community.  The 501c3 partner to Roxbury Presbyterian Church; programs are secular and open to all regardless of religious affiliation.       

Since 2014, the Cory Johnson Program is a Christ-inspired, community-based, clinically-supported 501c3 program of the Roxbury Presbyterian Church Social Impact Center that offers a peer-centered approach to addressing post-traumatic stress in urban neighborhoods. We foster connection and empower individuals to take active roles in helping themselves and others heal.

We abide by those who have suffered trauma and loss by bridging the multiple systems of care and offer:

  • a safe sacred space for the sharing of painful stories;
  • increased awareness and understanding of trauma;
  • relief from traumatic stress;
  • mental health support

 “Trauma is at the core of public health concerns. Key impacts include emotional dysregulation, loss of safety and trust, a pervasive sense of disconnection from self and others, and a comprehensive sense of disorientation that leads to loss of meaning.” (Trauma and Recovery, Herman, 1992).

The Cory Johnson Program for Post-Traumatic Healing

In the Spring of 2013, after two daytime shootings steps from the church, Rev. Liz Walker brought together community members and non-profit leaders to address the violence. When asked about the root cause, one participant stated, “too much-untreated PTSD and too many guns.” Those discussions led the Roxbury Presbyterian Church Social Impact Center, along with support from Partners HealthCare and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, to launch the Cory Johnson Program for Post-Traumatic Healing in September 2014.  Named after a promising young church member killed in a random shooting in 2010, the Cory Johnson Program is the church’s response to the tremendous need for trauma healing in our neighborhood, on the streets, and among the members of our congregation.  

Pain like the kind my family has suffered does not go away but it does slowly become redemptive. Now when I listen as wounded neighbors courageously share their stories; I am encouraged because I know Cory through this program that is named for him is a beacon for hope. Since his death, Cory’s influence has become more evident in the ways that his friends, family, church, and community still honor him.
Debra JohnsonCory Johnson's Mother
Listening to stories helps us form a healing community, in which we can all be redeemed and restored. In the Cory Johnson Program, our goal in sharing stories is not to change or fix memories but to look at them in a different light. By opening our hearts and mouths to speak the unspeakable, we grow the spiritual muscles to heal.
Rev. Liz WalkerRPC Social Impact Center
The Cory Johnson Program is using a grassroots approach to trauma-informed care; the program provides participants with insight and helps to heal from environmental trauma. It enables them to see their value individually and collectively and to feel whole.
Dr. Thea JamesBoston Medical Center

Ultimately the effects of trauma on the body, mind, and spirit lead to diminished health and wellness; tremendously impacting families and entire communities. 

Trauma healing happens when we:

RELEASE traumatic energy from our bodies

REGULATE and control our emotions

RECONNECT with ourselves and others

REORIENT to new sense of meaning and purpose

Our Trauma Healing Network

Churches and organizations beyond our doors have reached out to The Cory Johnson Program to replicate Can We Talk…®  These affiliates now include:

Fourth Presbyterian Church
South Boston

Roxbury-Dorchester Power in Community
Episcopel Diocese
Boston, MA

New Bethel AME Lowell
Lowell, MA

Horton-Keller Center For Traumatic Healing & The Village Church
Chattanooga, TN

Interfaith Counseling Center
Providence, RI

In process:  Codman Square, Boston, MA and Gary, IN