Mission:

The Office of Violence Prevention and Neighborhood Wellbeing partners with the community and law enforcement to reduce gun violence, enhance public safety, and promote lasting peace for all Pomona residents.

Vision:

Pomona will be recognized as a vibrant, safe, beautiful community that is a fun and exciting destination and the home of arts and artists, students and scholars, business and industry.

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.