Peacemaking & Justice Advocacy
MATTHEW 25:35–36
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
Peacemaking & Justice Advocate
Veronica Ota
Our Calling
Veronica Ota serves as the Presbytery of San Jose’s inaugural Peacemaking and Justice Advocate, walking alongside congregations as a resource, connector, and catalyst in equipping the Body of Christ to engage faithfully in Jesus’ commandment to love God and love neighbor. Rooted in the witness of the Gospel, this particular ministry addresses the intersectional issues of our time, from economic and racial justice to immigration, housing, and care for creation.
The Advocate walks alongside our churches and community partners to share timely resources, lift up opportunities for advocacy, and create meaningful pathways for learning, service, and prayerful action. Through collaboration with congregations, nonprofits, and local leaders across Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Monterey counties, this ministry strengthens our shared witness to Christ’s peace and God’s justice in the communities we are called to serve.
Recent Posts
-
Support Education for Incarcerated Neighbors – Summer Freedom Campaign
-
Attend Watsonville Farmworker Reality Tour (Peace & Justice Working Group)
-
Peacemaking & Justice Reflection Archive
-
Resources for Vulnerable Communities
-
Westview Presbyterian Church’s Tiny Village Greenlighted
-
Office of Immigration Issues Sends Guidance on Caring for Vulnerable Communities
-
Feb 26 Dinner at Westhope Pres. in Saratoga for Black History Month
-
Peace and Justice Work Group Summer Networking Lunches
-
See International Peacemaker Julie Kandema Oct 5 – Oct 9
Pieces on Peace
Read the Peacemaking and Justice Advocate’s regular digest column for timely reflections, resources, and opportunities for action. Visit the archive →
Resource Guide
Click each section below to explore partner organizations and ways to get involved.
Faith-Based & Multifaith Community Groups
- PACT – People Acting in Community Together (Santa Clara County)
- Multifaith Voices for Peace and Justice (Santa Clara County)
- Silicon Valley Allied for the Common Good
- Association of Faith Communities (Santa Cruz)
- Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity (California state)
- Santa Cruz Interfaith Network
Advocacy and Activism
Welcoming Immigrant Neighbors
Rapid Response Networks
Rapid Response Networks are trained to respond to situations involving ICE, Border Patrol, and other enforcement agencies.
- Find your local hotline: CCIJ Rapid Response Directory
- Santa Clara County training: Amigos de Guadalupe
- Santa Cruz training: Your Allied Rapid Response Network & Pajaro Valley Rapid Response
Legal Aid for Immigrants
- Amigos de Guadalupe – Immigration Legal Services
- Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County
- San Benito County Solidarity Network
Accompaniment
Refugee Support
- Immanuel House (San Jose)
Supporting Incarcerated/ Formerly Incarcerated Neighbors
Caring for Unhoused Neighbors
- HOPE Village at Westview Presbyterian Church (Watsonville) — operated by Community Action Board.
- Financial donations to CAB with memo “HOPE Village”; new or gently used clothing and shoes accepted at Westview.
- Bill Wilson Center (Santa Clara) — counseling, housing, and support for children, youth, young adults, and families.
- Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program (I-HELP) (Monterey Bay)
- Homeless Garden Project (Santa Cruz)
- The Epicenter Monterey Mutual Aid Youth Leaders
Caring for Neighbors with Disabilities or Illness
- Common Roots Farm (Santa Cruz) – a sustainable farm growing organic foods where people with disabilities join with others to grow healthy food, flowers, and friendships
- NAMI National Alliance on Mental Health
Food Access & Sovereignty
Visit our Hunger Advocate’s page for a full list of food ministry partners and opportunities to serve.
Protecting the Planet & Reducing Human Impact
- Common Roots Farm
- The Good Growth Garden – new worshipping community at Westview Presbyterian Church in Watsonville
Promoting Racial Equity & Celebrating Diversity
Partner organizations and resources coming soon. Contact the Peacemaking and Justice Advocate to suggest a partner.
Affirming LGBTQ+ Siblings
- QMUNITY – improving queer, trans, and Two-Spiri tlivces through services, connection, and leadership
- LGBTQ Youth Space (Santa Clara County)
- Youth Drop In Center, services in South County Gilroy and Morgan Hill libraries, therapy and mental health programs, community events, educational programs, professional development trainings
- Speakers Bureau – Free workshops provided by a panel of multi-generational LGBTQIA+ speakers who share about their lived experiences, creating opportunities for dialogue and Q&A about identities
- The Q Corner (Santa Clara County) – peer-driven Behavioral Health Services Department program that supporst the LGBTQ+ community and their friends, famlies, and allies
- PFLAG – supports, educates, and advocates for LGBTQ+ people and their parents, families, friends, and allies
- County of Santa Clara Office of LGBTQ Affairs
- The Epicenter Monterey’s LGBTQ+ Supportive Services
Get Involved
To partner with the Peacemaking and Justice Advocate, share a resource, or learn about upcoming opportunities, please reach out to veronica@sanjosepby.org.