Sacramento Violence Intervention Program (SVIP)
The Sacramento Violence Intervention Program (SVIP) is a peer violence intervention program serving the greater Sacramento region. Its goal is to support violently injured youth ages 14 to 26 while reducing their chances for re-injury and recidivism.
With the support of our program partner, Kaiser South Sacramento, SVIP has expanded to work in school settings with schools and youth who are at risk for getting involved in violence and/or on probation for violence.
SVIP trains and employs young adults from the community who have overcome violence in their own lives. SVIP staff members have grown up in communities similar to those of the program participants and understand the conditions their clients and their families face every day. Staff serve as case managers and mentors, working closely with youth and their families to assist them in leading a successful life without violence. These “intervention specialists” promote positive alternatives to violence and coordinate wrap-around services for youth and their families by providing information, referrals, and intensive follow-up services for up to one year.
The program is seamlessly integrated into Kaiser Trauma Center operations, and meets clients when they are inpatients at the hospital. SVIP then works in close collaboration with other programs of WellSpace Health and makes referrals to community resources such as social workers, county mental health providers, probation officers, school administrators and other community-based organizations.
For questions about the SVIP program, call (916) 201-0171.
Testimonial Letter:
“You probably don’t remember me, but I remember you – clearly. A few years ago, I was the victim (survivor) of a violent crime at a South Sacramento gym. The following day, I remember waking up after surgery and the nurse asked me if I would be okay with a social worker from The Effort (now known as WellSpace Health) coming to talk to me. I agreed, not really sure what a social worker would be able to help me with.
You came and talked to me in a calm, reassuring tone, provided me with a folder of resources (which I still have), and helped me enroll in Victims of Crime Compensation.
You didn’t know it, but this probably common occurrence and interaction for you tremendously affected me. It was a long recovery, both physically and emotionally, but that experience was life defining. I realized that I had found my calling and I too wanted to dedicate my life to helping others.
At the time, I was working as a preschool teacher, but I am now working as a Family Advocate and have submitted my graduate school application for social work. I included this experience in my personal statement, crediting our interaction as a defining moment where I realized social work was where my passion lies. Through a networking group, I saw your email asking for assistance connecting to a resource for your client, your name struck me and I quickly made the connection. I wanted to send you this email because I thought that you should know that your work is priceless and so impactful.
I vividly remember an interaction that occurred back then and that experience has forever shaped me. I also want to thank you because although you were just doing your job, it meant a lot to speak to someone who allowed me to realize that although this was the most difficult time of my life, everything would be alright. Clearly it was because I gained so much more than I lost. Thank you again. I am forever grateful for this experience.”
Former Sacramento Violence Intervention Program Client
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