Our Mission
Our People Rise supports individuals rebuilding their lives after devastation, particularly from addiction, homelessness, and mental health crisis.
The organization documents and shares inspirational stories of people who have made it out and pairs them with free online education that teaches practical tools for sustainable change.
"When people have the inspiration, community and practical tools to change, transformation becomes possible. Our People Rise is a bridge to making that change real." ~ AJ Lovewins, Founder, OPR
The Our People Rise: American Tales of Triumph Story
Our Beginning
Our People Rise was founded by AJ Lovewins, a filmmaker and community builder who experienced homelessness firsthand in his twenties. After finding his way back, he began reaching out to help others do the same, first through his first nonprofit Harmonic Humanity and now through Our People Rise. The organization is built on the belief that those who have lived these experiences and have created real change are best equipped to help others who are where they once were, who are seeking similar transformation.
A Movement in the Making
Our People Rise Docu-Series
Our People Rise Docu-Series
Our People Rise Docu-Series
In 2024, the first phase of filming began, capturing interviews with individuals up and down the West Coast. As the documentary approaches completion in 2026, a few additional stories are being filmed—aimed at shining a hopeful light on a crisis often portrayed through a lens of despair. This project challenges the dominant national narr
In 2024, the first phase of filming began, capturing interviews with individuals up and down the West Coast. As the documentary approaches completion in 2026, a few additional stories are being filmed—aimed at shining a hopeful light on a crisis often portrayed through a lens of despair. This project challenges the dominant national narrative, proving that recovery is real, transformation is possible, and people do rise.
Our People Rise Non Profit
Our People Rise Docu-Series
Our People Rise Docu-Series
Our People Rise nonprofit's core offerings include a facilitation workbook and live workshops that follow documentary screenings—equipping individuals looking to rise, service providers and program leaders with innovative tools for change.
In 2026, our first free online learning and community platform will launch, offering accessible i
Our People Rise nonprofit's core offerings include a facilitation workbook and live workshops that follow documentary screenings—equipping individuals looking to rise, service providers and program leaders with innovative tools for change.
In 2026, our first free online learning and community platform will launch, offering accessible innovation and transformation training to anyone seeking to rise.
2026 Speaker Series
Join us April 29th at UCLA for a special evening about resilience and rising from homelessness. Check back for details.