Founded in 1993, the Stop the Violence, Increase the Peace Foundation is dedicated to addressing the root causes of violence across Southern California. Its mission is to foster awareness, empowerment, and accountability surrounding the social, economic, and public health impacts of violence and trauma.

The Foundation provides a wide range of services, including youth intervention, conflict resolution, grief counseling, and advocacy. It also offers evidence-based classes in anger management, domestic violence, parenting, and substance abuse. By partnering with communities, law enforcement, faith-based organizations, and probation departments, the Foundation works to create lasting change and promote peace and unity throughout the region.

• Our Mission
  
  To prevent violence, transform lives, and restore communities through education, intervention, mentorship, and strategic collaboration. We are committed to creating safer neighborhoods by addressing the root causes of violence and empowering individuals to lead lives of purpose and peace.
  
  
• Our Vision
  
  A world where every individual—regardless of background or circumstance—can live in safety, access opportunity, and contribute positively to their community. We envision resilient neighborhoods free from violence, where healing, growth, and unity are the norm.
  
  
• Our Core Values
  
  

1. Community First
We believe that real change begins at the grassroots. We listen to, uplift, and walk alongside the communities we serve.

2. Prevention over Punishment
We address the root causes of violence—trauma, poverty, and lack of access—offering education, guidance, and opportunity instead of judgment.

3. Healing and Restoration
We are committed to restoring hope and dignity through second chances, wraparound services, and trauma-informed care.

4. Collaboration and Partnership
We work in unity with local agencies, faith groups, schools, law enforcement, and community leaders to build a stronger, more connected safety net.

5. Empowerment through Education
We equip individuals with tools for emotional regulation, leadership, and life success—because knowledge is power, and transformation is possible.

6. Excellence and Integrity
We hold ourselves to the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and accountability in all we do.

• Our Impact
  
  The Stop the Violence Foundation (STV) has a long-standing legacy of leadership and service in violence prevention, intervention, and community restoration. Our impactful work spans across Southern California, transforming lives and neighborhoods through strategic partnerships, education, and outreach.
  
  
• Pioneers of Peacebuilding: STV played a pivotal role in launching the first Cease Fire initiative in Inglewood, helping to broker peace between rival gangs and setting the tone for future community-driven violence reduction efforts.
  
  
• Regional Collaboration: We have collaborated with over 60 agencies across San Bernardino, Riverside, and Los Angeles Counties to advance coordinated violence prevention strategies and support services.
  
  
• Coalition Leadership: STV is the founding organization of the Inland Empire Violence Prevention Coalition, uniting stakeholders to share resources, strategies, and solutions that address the root causes of violence in our communities.
  
  
• Youth Empowerment: Through partnerships with the Los Angeles County Office of Education, the Probation Department, and multiple school districts—including LAUSD, Moreno Valley Unified, and Perris Unified—STV has mentored and tutored hundreds of at-risk youth, helping them stay on track and reach their potential.
  
  
• Court-Mandated Support Programs: We’ve provided vital intervention classes—such as Domestic Violence Batterers programs, anger management, gang prevention, parenting, and substance abuse classes—to hundreds of individuals working to rebuild their lives.
  
  
• Certified Community Street Ambassadors: STV trains certified PCITI Street Ambassadors who collaborate with EMT, DOT, LAFD, and LAPD to provide security, conflict resolution, and de-escalation at large-scale events, including Taste of Soul, which draws 400,000–500,000 attendees annually.
  
  
• System Engagement & Prevention Services: Our services extend to the California Department of Corrections, the Proud Parenting Program, the Youth Reinvestment Program, and the City of Los Angeles’ GRYD (Gang Reduction and Youth Development) initiative—where we support system-involved youth and families with resources, training, and wraparound care.