Charles Rosa
Why are you nominating this individual?
"Chucky Rosa has dedicated his life to fighting teen substance abuse, transforming unimaginable personal loss into a mission of hope, education, and recovery support. As the founder of a charity focused on preventing teen substance use and helping individuals transition into sober living, Chucky has become one of the most influential and compassionate advocates in our region.
A father of six and a former boxer, Chucky lives on the Seabrook side of the Hampton bridge — only steps away from the ocean where he begins every morning with a ritual that honors his two sons, Vincent and Domenic, both of whom he tragically lost to addiction. Every day, in every season, Chucky enters the cold Atlantic waters where he laid their ashes, offering prayers for strength, healing, and protection for anyone battling substance use. What began as a personal act of remembrance has grown into a powerful symbol of resilience and community.
Chucky welcomes anyone who wishes to join him in this ritual. Over the years, he has taken that plunge with hundreds of students, community members, and individuals in recovery. His message is simple but profound: no one fights this battle alone. His daily commitment has drawn attention far beyond Seabrook, inspiring countless people with his courage and unwavering dedication.
Through the Rosa family’s nonprofit, Chucky and is wife Mary, works tirelessly to educate teens about the dangers of substance use and to support individuals seeking recovery. He spends his days speaking in schools, treatment centers, and community programs, using his voice and his story to reach young people before addiction does. He helps teens complete community service, connects individuals with treatment resources, and advocates for those who cannot advocate for themselves.
Chucky’s impact is not only emotional — it is tangible. His organization has provided scholarships for sober living, including one year in which he personally distributed $50,000 to individuals who could not afford safe housing during recovery. His efforts have helped countless people rebuild their lives, find stability, and access the support they need to stay sober.
Chucky often says, “It’s a fistfight you can win every day — and it starts and ends with education.” His life’s work embodies that belief. Through grief, he has built a movement. Through advocacy, he has saved lives. Through compassion, he has changed the future for teens and families across New Hampshire.
For his extraordinary dedication, his daily acts of courage, and his lifelong commitment to preventing substance abuse and supporting recovery, Chucky Rosa is profoundly deserving of a Lifetime Advocacy Award."
Biography:
A charity dedicated to fighting teen substance abuse. Our proceeds are used to sponsor people in recovery that are moving into sober living. Chucky uses his voice to educate teens about the risk of substance use.
Father of six and former boxer, Chucky Rosa resides on the Seabrook side of the Hampton bridge, only yards away from where he takes a dip in the ocean each and every day, honoring his two sons he lost to addiction. Snow or shine, Rosa begins the day by jumping in the water where he laid his sons ashes, praying for himself and others who need the strength to make it through the day. Vincent died at the age of 20 after overdosing on a fentanyl patch, and just one year later, Domenic died at the age of 23 from a heroin overdose.
Rosa welcomes anyone to join him during his morning ritual. Holding multiple events and fundraisers, Rosa has been able to jump in with hundreds of different students, community members, and those who need help of their own. His efforts in the fight against substance abuse have gained attention far beyond the community of Seabrook.
The Rosa family began this nonprofit to help educate teens about the dangers of substance abuse, and to help those who are having difficulties with abuse by helping them access resources and programs they need to succeed in the battle of addiction. Rosa spends most of his days presenting at schools and treatment facilities, helping teens with community service, and finding shelter for those who need it. One year alone, Rosa gave out $50,000 in scholarships to people who couldn’t afford sober living facilities. “It’s a fistfight that you can win everyday — I think it starts and ends with education,” says Rosa. ( clip from NH Magazine)