Our Story

We created Love is Stronger GV to make the most of our second chance, not just for ourselves but also for the community we grew up with and love.

In the 1990’s, our lives were encompassed around belonging to the “In Crowd.” Positive role models were few and far between in the world that existed among us as impressionable teenagers. Following the paths of our older peers and neighbors from our community shook us to our core because violence was our right of passage, and that was the only way to get the message across in order to survive. We lived with fear, anger, and trauma. This world was an Urban concrete jungle.

In this urban concrete jungle, it was “Survival of the Fittest.” What I have witnessed personally is that even the toughest people will have an awakening because life itself will beat them down, and for a while, I was that person. I found mentorship, education, and strength in the most unlikely place: Prison. Not everyone is as fortunate as to begin the healing of their soul through this process and be granted another opportunity to live a productive life after poor choices. Love is Stronger GV is unwavering in its commitment to sharing our lessons and our love with others who have similar barriers.

Love is Stronger GV is here to provide guidance and support, helping youth and families navigate the traumatic obstacles often accompanying urban life.

Love is Stronger GV helps Youth and Families protect themselves from the violent cycles that have tragically claimed so many lives.

In Portland's future, our underserved youth will never feel drawn toward senseless acts of violence or cycles of antisocial behaviors. Instead, Love is Stronger GV's mission is to be progressive and inclusive in ALL communities that we have been committed to serving, where they’ll feel the power and promise of a community built on opportunity, accountability, and love.