ROCK HILL, S.C. -- Several York County churches joined together to organize an anti-violence rally and religious service Saturday night.

Church leaders said residents are still reeling from last year's violence, especially because it involved so many young people.

"The peak of violence over the last year, has been kinda, like, wow," said Rock Hill resident Tameka Durham.

A 19-year-old girl fatally gunned down another teenager, Tyrone King, on a front porch, police said. And police officers fatally shot 15-year-old Yvette Williams after officers said she pointed a gun at them following a convenience store robbery.

Community leaders wanted to let residents know it’s important to stay proactive.

"We came out in response to the tragedy, but also to let them know, look, it’s not going to take a tragedy for us to come," said Pastor Ron Raley of the Rock Hill Faith Center.

Residents said seeing so many families at the rally gave them hope for a safer future.