Our Vision

Our vision is bold but simple: a beloved community free from the cycle of violence. As an organization rooted deeply in faith, we claim God’s promise of abundant life for every individual and neighborhood in our community (John 10:10). Our very name, "Alive,” is inspired by this promise.

We understand violence to be a symptom of deeper problems that we must address in order to break the cycle. Unresolved trauma and toxic stress, along with longstanding social problems such as poverty and racism, continue to cultivate the conditions that produce violence in our city and beyond. Realizing our vision will require an ongoing analysis of these conditions with a spirit of humility and creativity.

We hold fast to the promise of life abundant for children and families whose lives have been shattered by violence. We are called to surround them with love and support and walk with them on their long and painful journeys. We must also equip our city’s young people with a transformational approach to conflict and an effective framework for social change. We may not get to see the promised land of our vision, but it is our collective duty to ensure that we pass on a more just and peaceful world to the next generation. As Dr. King said, “the moral arc of the universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” As long as violence exists in our community in any form, we will march tirelessly toward the horizon of everlasting justice and peace. Blessed are the peacemakers!