Our Mission

Founded in 1999, V2K H.E.L.P.E.R. Foundation (formerly known as "Venice 2000") is a non-profit,501(c)3, organization that was originally established to provide gang intervention and prevention services. Since that time, we’ve come to believe that “community-intervention” services are needed now more than ever to combat gang-related violence, the destruction of our communities, and the loss of our young people to the lure of economic depravity.

THE GOAL OF  V2K H.E.L.P.E.R. Foundation is to provide the resources and guidance to help struggling youth and community members of all ages make the transition from negative, anti-social behavior to positive, value-centered alternatives. 

• We teach the importance of living a life of structure and purpose, and instill problem-solving and goal-setting skills.
• We encourage youth to stay in school and drop-outs to complete their educations, and/or enroll in occupational training.
• We help community members find and keep jobs, and support entrepreneurs in business creation leading to economic self-sufficiency.
• We also, provide services for seniors.

Ansar "Stan" Muhhammad, Co-Founder, Venice 2000

1/2: Hidden Hand

"When you're dealing with gentrification, and with displacement of families, you're dealing with power on a high level." (Visit KCET.org)

2/2: Poison

"I had a choice to make when I came home: either get back in the game, or wash my hands of it. And if I hadn't decided to do that, I wouldn't be standing here talking to you right now." (Visit KCET.org)

Organizational Capacity

As one of the first organizations in the Venice Area to formally work as a liaison between law enforcement, community and Street Organization members, V2K H.E.L.P.E.R. Foundation has gained the respect of both the local government and community residents alike. 

It has been providing gang intervention and prevention services for the Los Angeles Probation Department and Los Angeles County Office of Education since L A Bridges I and II.  Additionally, we have worked with, City of Los Angeles, The County of Los Angeles Department of Health Services, The Los Angeles Urban League and a host of community-based organizations working on faith based initiatives, community policing, job training and development, victims assistance and victims rights.  Our mission is to build a cohesive community working together to improve social and economic conditions for all people. The vision of V2K H.E.L.P.E.R. Foundation is to bring together the individual factions of the communities riddled with gang violence, through community mobilization and peace treaties, to make positive changes that will benefit everyone within the community.

Our unique approach to community involves Community Based Organizations (CBO’s), Faith Based Organizations (FBO’s) and Business owners. We have relationships with the leadership of local Faith Based Organizations.   These relationships enable us to provide opportunities for spiritual guidance to multiple populations.  Additionally, both Turner and Muhammad have strong ties to employment for the ex-offender/re-entry population. Our Crisis Intervention Workers (CIW’s) work closely with churches and mosques to provide complete wrap around services to our clients.

Did you know?

Gang Homicide in Los Angeles

• One Third of the Victims were NOT Associated with a Violent Gang.
• The Median Age of the Victims was 21.
• The Gang-Related Death Rate of African American Males, Ages 15-19, Tripled.
• The Gang-Related Death Rate of Latino makes, Ages 15-19, Increased 30%.
• Less than 5% of Gang-Related Deaths were Related to Narcotics Trafficking.
• Guns were Used in 95% of Gang-Related Killings.
• The Use of Semiautomatic Handguns in these Killings Increased by more than 40%.

Current Local Statistics for Los Angeles County

• Over 57,000 Gang-Related Crimes in the City of Los Angeles (2009 LAPD)
• Over 1,500 Gangs in Los Angeles County
• An Estimated 146,000 Gang Members
• 2004-2009 Los Angeles Police Department Report 23,000 Violent Gang Crimes (784 Homicides)
• City of Los Angeles (LA Bridges Program) Spent over 100 Million Dollars to Address the Gang Problem in Los Angeles.