Thirty years of
showing up.
Neutral Ground was born from community — and it has stayed rooted in community through every year, every challenge, and every life changed.
We exist because
community called us.
Neutral Ground was founded in Santa Ana, California with a simple but powerful belief: that the people closest to the pain are closest to the solution. Since 1990, we've been guided by that truth.
Our founder, Natividad "Nati" Alvarado, built this organization not from the outside looking in — but from the inside out. NG grew out of the same neighborhoods, families, and lived experiences as the community we serve. That's not a talking point. It's the foundation of every program, every partnership, and every relationship we hold.
Today, Neutral Ground operates across 16 school sites in five school districts, eight distinct programs, and a network of government, healthcare, and community partners. We have been named Nonprofit of the Year for California Assembly District 68 by Assemblyman Avelino Valencia — a recognition that reflects 30+ years of sustained investment in Orange County's most impacted communities.
Founded in Santa Ana
Neutral Ground begins with street outreach and community intervention in response to escalating gang violence in Orange County.
Expanding to Schools
NG formalizes partnerships with Santa Ana Unified School District, bringing prevention and restorative practices onto school campuses.
Multi-District Growth
Programs expand across AUHSD, FUSD, Orange Unified, and TUSD. The Boxing Club, Nati's House, and Re-Entry Services launch.
Recognized & Scaling
Named Nonprofit of the Year. 500+ youth served annually across 16 sites. Pursuing Medi-Cal integration and sustainable systems.
"The work we do isn't about programs — it's about people. It's about being present when a family needs someone who understands, and staying long after the crisis has passed."
Nonprofit of the Year
Named Nonprofit of the Year for California Assembly District 68 by Assemblyman Avelino Valencia, recognizing decades of transformative service to Orange County communities.
501(c)(3) Since Inception
Federally recognized nonprofit operating with full financial transparency, grant accountability, and board governance — 100% focused on mission.
Government & Foundation Trust
Trusted by the City of Santa Ana, City of Anaheim, Congressman Lou Correa's office, Samueli Foundation, CalOptima Health, and 12+ active funders.
Why we do
what we do.
Our Mission
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.
Our Vision
Communities where safety, belonging, and opportunity are shared by all.
We envision a future where systems choose education before incarceration, restorative justice before punishment, and connection before control — where every young person has the chance to thrive, and transformation becomes a cultural norm sustained by empathy, equity, and collective healing. Rooted in Orange County and serving high-need communities across Southern California.
Our core values.
Community First
NG exists because of community and for community. We don't come from the outside to "fix" anything — we're neighbors, former students, returning citizens, and family members working alongside the people we serve.
Restorative, Not Punitive
We believe accountability works best when it's paired with healing. Punishment isolates; restoration connects. We create spaces where harm can be named, addressed, and repaired.
Strength-Based
Every young person we serve has assets, gifts, and potential. We never reduce someone to their worst moment or their hardest circumstances. We build on what's already there.
Culturally Rooted
Our work is grounded in the Chicano/Latino heritage of the communities we serve. Cultural identity isn't background — it's a source of strength, resilience, and belonging.
Long-Term Investment
We don't do quick fixes. We build relationships over years, stay through transitions, and measure success not just in outputs but in lives genuinely changed.
Data & Accountability
Relationships drive our work, but data keeps us honest. We track outcomes, report transparently to funders and the community, and continuously improve our practices.
Leadership rooted
in community.
Natividad "Nati" Alvarado
Nati built Neutral Ground from the ground up — guided by the belief that the people closest to the pain are closest to the solution. A visionary community leader, relationship builder, and the organizational heart of NG for 30+ years.
Bree Lazalde
Bree drives the operational infrastructure behind NG's programs — from grant compliance and financial management to HR, technology systems, and partner coordination. She's building an organization that runs on systems, not just people.
Samuel Lazalde
Samuel oversees the delivery of NG's eight programs across 16 school sites and multiple community settings. He leads a team of frontline staff who show up every day for the youth and families we serve.
Trusted by
institutions that matter.
City of Santa Ana
CDBG · Re-Entry · Gang Prevention
City of Anaheim
School Site Programs
Santa Ana USD
School Site Contracts
Anaheim Union HSD
8 School Campuses
Samueli Foundation
Private Foundation Partner
CalOptima Health
Community Health Grant
Cong. Lou Correa
Federal Community Project Funding
OC-HIRE
Employment Program
Fontana USD
Citrus High School
Orange Unified
Consulting Agreements
Latino Coalition / CBRI
Nati's House Partner
OC Probation
Re-Entry & Diversion