Our Coalition
Coalition Against Community Violence
A united front of grassroots nonprofit organizations in Boone County, Missouri — working together to address the root causes of violence and build healthier, safer communities.
Learn MoreWho We Are
Grassroots Organizations. One Mission.
The Coalition Against Community Violence (CACV) is a collaborative network of nonprofit grassroots organizations based in Columbia, Missouri. We believe that no single organization can solve community violence alone. By pooling resources, expertise, and community trust, CACV member organizations work in concert to address the interconnected social, economic, and environmental conditions that drive violence in our communities.
Coalition Contact
- Columbia, MO — Boone County
- llbey@destinyofhopeinc.com
- cacvmo.org
The Root Causes
Violence Is a Social Determinant Problem
Community violence does not exist in a vacuum. According to the CDC, Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) — the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age — are among the most powerful drivers of health and safety outcomes. Poverty, lack of quality jobs, inadequate housing, limited education access, and systemic racism all create the conditions in which violence takes root.
Economic Instability
Poverty, unemployment, and lack of living-wage jobs leave families without the stability needed to thrive.
Education Barriers
Limited access to quality education narrows pathways out of poverty and increases vulnerability to violence.
Housing Insecurity
Unstable or unsafe housing conditions concentrate stress and risk in already underserved neighborhoods.
Healthcare Access
Gaps in mental health and physical healthcare leave trauma unaddressed and cycles of harm unbroken.
Systemic Racism
Structural inequities rooted in racism shape every dimension of life — from policing to opportunity.
Community Disconnection
Isolation and lack of social cohesion erode the protective bonds that keep communities safe.
DOH & CACV
Destiny of H.O.P.E. as a Coalition Member
Destiny of H.O.P.E., Inc. is a proud member of the Coalition Against Community Violence. Our reentry, youth development, and mentorship programs directly address the SDOH factors CACV works to dismantle. Together, we are building a Boone County where every returning citizen, every young person, and every family has a real chance at a safe and stable life.
Reentry Support
DOH's C.A.P.R.E. program addresses the barriers returning citizens face — employment, housing, family reunification, and community reintegration.
Youth Development
The Center for Youth provides tutoring, mentorship, sports, arts, and life skills programming to keep young people connected and on track.
Community Accountability
Through coalition membership, DOH participates in shared accountability structures that hold organizations and systems responsible for equitable outcomes.
Coming Soon
Street Outreach Program
Meeting people where they are — on the streets, in the community, and in the moments that matter most.
Destiny of H.O.P.E. is developing a Street Outreach Program in partnership with the Columbia Community Violence Intervention Committee (CVIC). This initiative will deploy trained Community Intervention Specialists directly into the community to engage Very High-Risk Individuals (VHRI) and Adjacent High-Risk Individuals (AHRI) — building trust, interrupting violence before it escalates, and connecting people to the resources they need to change their lives.
Our specialists will complete a rigorous 90-day training academy covering trauma-informed care, conflict mediation, crisis intervention, Mental Health First Aid, case management, and supervised field readiness — developed in alignment with national best practices from NICJR and the CDC.
Credible Messenger Engagement
Specialists with lived experience build authentic trust with individuals at the center of violence — the kind of trust that opens doors no institution can.
Violence Interruption
Trained interveners recognize escalating conflicts and respond safely to de-escalate tensions before they turn deadly.
Trauma-Informed Support
Every interaction is grounded in an understanding of trauma, grief, and the impact of violence exposure on individuals and families.
Crisis Response
Specialists are equipped to recognize mental health crises, provide immediate support, and connect individuals with qualified professional help.
Resource Navigation
From housing and employment to behavioral health services, outreach workers help participants access the full network of community resources.
Family & Youth Engagement
Outreach extends to families and young people, strengthening the support systems that help individuals sustain long-term change.
Join the Coalition
If your organization is committed to reducing community violence and addressing its root causes in Boone County, we invite you to connect with CACV and explore membership.