Breaking
cycles,
building
community.
For over 30 years, Neutral Ground has served Orange County youth and families navigating violence, trauma, and systemic barriers — meeting people where they are and walking with them forward.
"Creating healthier, safer communities most impacted by gang violence — breaking the cycles of violence, poverty, academic failure, and teen pregnancy."
Through restorative practice, youth development, academic support, and the strengthening of meaningful relationships, NG works toward a future where every young person thrives — and where transformation becomes a cultural norm sustained by empathy, equity, and collective healing. Rooted in Orange County and serving high-need communities across Southern California.
Prevention
Getting ahead of violence before it starts — building protective factors at school and at home.
Intervention
Crisis response, street outreach, and immediate support when youth and families need it most.
Mediation
Restorative circles and conflict resolution that repair harm and rebuild trust in community.
Eight programs.
One mission.
Youth Violence Prevention
Street outreach, first-responder crisis services, and community intervention by credible messengers who know the community from the inside.
Learn moreNeutral Ground Boxing Club
Boxing as a vehicle for discipline, resilience, and life skills — serving youth ages 11–24 who are ready to channel their energy into something powerful.
Learn moreRestorative Circles
Healing-centered circles for school communities and families — including specialized support for youth with incarcerated parents.
Learn moreNati's House
A community healing space offering prevention programming, resource access, and monthly check-ins grounded in the Latino Coalition network.
Learn moreRe-Entry Services
Comprehensive support for returning citizens transitioning home — employment, housing, family reunification, and case management without judgment.
Learn moreCase Management
Individualized service plans, academic support, family strengthening, and wraparound coordination for youth and families across all NG programs.
Learn moreSummer Night Lights
Community safety programming that activates public spaces during summer evenings — because safety is built through presence and belonging, not just enforcement.
Learn moreSchool Site Programs
On-campus prevention, mentorship, and restorative practices at 16 schools across SAUSD, AUHSD, FUSD, Orange Unified, and TUSD.
Learn moreRooted in
relationship.
Our approach isn't a program model — it's a philosophy. We meet people where they are, stay through the hard parts, and invest in long-term change.
Credible Messengers First
Our staff aren't outsiders — they're community members with shared lived experience who carry deep credibility and trust.
Restorative, Not Punitive
We believe in accountability with healing. Our restorative practices repair harm and strengthen communities rather than isolate individuals.
Whole-Person, Long-Term
A young person's zip code, family history, or past choices don't define their ceiling. We invest in the full arc of their story.
Systems Navigation
We connect youth and families to the full ecosystem of resources — schools, healthcare, housing, employment, and justice — so no one falls through the cracks.
Named Nonprofit of the Year
"They don't just show up — they stay."
Neutral Ground was recognized by California Assembly District 68 and Assemblyman Avelino Valencia for over three decades of sustained, community-rooted impact in Orange County.
Our Training & Credentials
Serving Orange County
from the inside out.
Our work spans Santa Ana, Anaheim, Fountain Valley, Tustin, and beyond — embedded in the neighborhoods, schools, and systems where our community lives and thrives.
See Our ImpactYouth Served
School Sites
School Districts
Core Programs
Active Grants
Years in OC
There's a place for
everyone at Neutral Ground.
Donate
Your gift funds street outreach, boxing programs, restorative circles, and services that keep families together and youth moving forward.
Give TodayPartner with Us
Schools, government agencies, healthcare providers, and businesses — we build powerful partnerships that multiply our collective impact.
Explore PartnershipsRefer a Youth
Know a young person or family who could benefit from our services? We serve youth and families at no cost, with no barriers to access.
Make a Referral