ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- Family Affairs-Stop the Violence organization hosted a dinner for parents who have lost a child or children to violence in the past year. Kasey White, the president of the organization, wanted to give people the opportunity to come together and remember their loved ones, who are no longer with us. 

White said it is important to not get stuck in a mourning period when someone passes away. White wants people in the Twin Tiers to lean on one another, to avoid feeling isolated in a time of grief. 

“Remember them in life instead of in death...also, to come together and talk about what we can do to possibly help, you know, the community,” she said. “Help others from having to experience the same thing...the loss of lives to violence.”  

White's organization is actively trying to stop violence, especially in the Elmira area. 

“Preach the word of God...preach love,” she said. “We're trying to get the communities and the families involved.”  

White said her husband, Sean, has been in contact with local churches to preach love in the community. White added, she is happy to see the Elmira Police Department installing more security cameras in Elmira to lower crime rates, as well.