Mission:

The Office of Violence Prevention and Neighborhood Wellbeing (OVP) in Pomona is committed to creating a safer, healthier, and more equitable community by employing evidence-based strategies to reduce gun violence. Through collaboration, engagement, and unified efforts, we aim to empower individuals, provide resources, and cultivate an environment that promotes resilience, peace, and well-being for every community member.

Vision:

To create a community where every individual thrives in safety, well-being, and equity, free from the impact of gun violence.

History:

The new Office of Violence Prevention and Neighborhood Wellbeing (OVP) stands as a testament to Pomona's steadfast commitment to address the pressing issue of gun violence. Established through a substantial $5 million grant from the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC), the OVP represents a pivotal initiative in the city's ongoing endeavor to create a safer and more harmonious environment for its residents.

Central to this effort is the adoption of a humanistic, evidence-based intervention, focused on restorative justice. The model has repeated demonstrated success through a combination of social services and community engagement.

At the heart of the OVP's intervention strategy lies the Peacemaker Fellowship, an intensive program designed to holistically address the needs of our community members affected by violence. By offering mental health counseling, mentorship by credible messengers, job training initiatives, social skills development, housing support, and drug rehabilitation services, we aim to provide comprehensive support and pathways towards positive change for our participants.