our community.
our watch.

Operation West Laurel, OWL, is an interfaith advocacy organization committed to the safety and well-being of the children and citizens of West Laurel while empowering and advancing our community.

Transforming west laurel from the inside out

Laurel is the poorest city in Delaware and also bears the unfortunate distinction of having the highest crime rate in the state. In the wake of numerous tragic deaths of local youth, a group of concerned community members came together to form Operation West Laurel (OWL). Born out of grief and a desire for change, OWL was established to transform the community from within—by addressing the root causes of poverty and violence and creating a safe, supportive environment where children and families can thrive. Through advocacy, enrichment programs, and access to essential resources, OWL is working to break cycles of hardship and build a stronger, more hopeful future for West Laurel.