Making an Impact alongside the Office of Violence Prevention

I loved growing up in Flint, Michigan—it was a place full of strong, resilient people. The neighborhoods were tight-knit. People looked out for each other, and there was a real sense of community.

But my hometown has also faced deep challenges, from lead in the drinking water to poverty, crime, and unemployment. A few years ago, I went back for my father’s memorial service, and I saw the struggle with my own eyes. It was heartbreaking.

I wanted to do something, but felt helpless living so far away. 

Little did I know, God was stirring my heart, as he so often does before he builds something:

Then God stirred the hearts of the priests and Levites and the leaders of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin to go to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple of the LORD.

Ezra 1:5 NLT

It wasn’t long before two of my friends at our Tri-Valley campus told me about work they were doing with the Stockton Office of Violence Prevention (OVP). These friends had been doing work for the OVP for years, which has made a significant impact in the Stockton community to address gang violence, particularly in reducing gang and group-related homicides. They shared stories of helping people who were at risk of or affected by gang involvement, poverty, gun violence, and lack of educational opportunity. By building relationships, creating support systems, and providing access to resources, the OVP helped individuals and families find a path toward safety, stability, and a better future.

As I listened to my friends talk about the people they were helping in Stockton and the impact of the OVP, I couldn’t help but think of the people in my hometown. Both the resilience and the pain of the Stockton community reminded me of Flint. My heart was stirred, and I started to wonder how I could help.

And the best part of the story is that I wasn’t the only one. 

Starting small with awareness and support

Several other members of the Bay Area Christian Church in Stockton were inspired when they heard about the life-changing work of the OVP. 

Many of them had their own past experiences of violence, instability, and need, so they  understood the power of stepping in with love. They were also moved by the compassion of Jesus, who came to bring hope to those who are often overlooked by the rest of the world:

“The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News… He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free… and that the time of the LORD’s favor has come.”

Luke 4:18-19 NLT

So when this small group of Christians saw the work being done by the OVP, they started asking themselves this simple but powerful question: “What if we could help?” 

One of those church members was Pat Carter, who spearheaded a group of volunteers from the church to support OVP by organizing paint parties, yard sales, and other fundraisers. They started small, but Pat gave so much heart and consistency that she was recognized as OVP’s Community Gun Violence Prevention Award in 2024. 

As they put their faith in action, a partnership began to grow.

Bringing holiday hope to kids in need

As we began to do more volunteer work with the OVP, we started hearing stories. Stories about kids left alone whose parents were homicide victims. Kids whose parents were incarcerated. Families trying to rebuild while facing unimaginable loss.

We shared these stories with the members of the church in Tri-Valley, who once again responded with that simple yet powerful question:

“What if we could help?”

We decided to partner with the OVP for our annual Holiday Toy Drive. Moved by a desire to share the love and generosity of God with the community around us, the BACC has now donated thousands of dollars in toys and gift cards to children affected by gun and gang violence—bringing moments of joy and hope into some very hard seasons. We continue to partner with OVP every year to continue showing up with love and compassion when families need it most.

But that was just the beginning.

Providing steps toward stability 

In 2024, I had the opportunity to attend the OVP’s Gun Violence Prevention Symposium in Stockton.

I brought gift cards from our campus to teenagers whose lives had been disrupted by violence. We wanted to give them tools to help them move forward, allowing them to take small steps toward stability by purchasing school supplies and other essential items. 

While I was there, I talked with OVP’s director, Lora Larson. She shared that a deeper need in their educational program was access to technology. Many in their program didn’t have basic digital tools, making it nearly impossible to apply for jobs, continue their education, or secure housing. Without access, doors stayed closed.

So I brought that need back to our Tri-Valley campus. And once again, we asked:

“What if we could help?”

Opening doors with access to technology

We started with the idea that we could find a few refurbished laptops and Chromebooks to donate to the OVP. But, moved by the need and propelled by faith, our campus came together. We created a Chromebook Drive at our 2025 Holiday Celebration Service. With God’s help, we canvassed our connections, and we were able to donate over 75 devices—Chromebooks, laptops, tablets, and phones. This was in addition to the toys and gifts we donate every Christmas for the kids.

As we were collecting these donations, we learned of a tragic mass shooting in Stockton. The OVP was on the ground immediately helping the families rebuild, and donations from our Chromebook Drive helped these families move forward. 

Today, those devices are being used by individuals pursuing new careers, families navigating housing after displacement, and people choosing a new direction away from violence.  

Building mentorship opportunities 

When the OVP director came to thank our church and share these stories, she connected with one of our members—who happens to be the chairperson of the East Bay Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

That one connection led to a mentorship day hosted by IEEE for youth in OVP’s programs.

Young people were given hands-on training, exposure to STEM careers, guidance, and encouragement. Volunteers equipped students to use the digital tools our church had donated.

A simple act turned into a ripple effect.

Creating a culture of love and impact

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.

Luke 4:18-19 NLT

I am so grateful to be part of a church that motivates each other to acts of love. What we have seen in our partnership with the OVP is a culture where God moves us from the inside out. And it all started with God stirring the hearts of a few people willing to believe they could make a difference, and there are stories like this happening all the time at our campuses around the Bay Area.

When God moves through the hearts of those who are devoted to doing good, whole communities are changed. The need is still great, but the impact is real. Because when people walk with God, they see needs differently, they care more deeply, and they act more courageously.

We’re more convinced than ever: real impact doesn’t start with having everything figured out. It starts with ordinary people saying yes to God and asking one simple question:

What if we could help?