In 2003, Overcoming Gangs was organized by concerned men of the community to combat the issue related to gangs. Since that time it has continued working in our local communities to address the gang violence and senseless killing that has escalated in San Diego's low-income communities. The primary focus of the group is to develop an open dialogue and relationship with gang members, at-risk youth, and families living in neighborhoods affected by gang violence and other associated activities.

In 2007, we changed our name to Overcoming Gangs and Beyond as a demonstration of our belief and vision that youth and famileis can move beyond this disease that has impacted our community. We exist to change the conditions and impact of gang violnece on the community by mentoring gang members and other youth who are at-risk of joining gangs. The organization provides mentoring a main source of intervention and prevention. Many of our members are ex-gang members who are giving back to the communities where they grew up as gang members.