INNER CITY VISIONS MARKS 20 YEARS OF REDUCING VIOLENCE AND TRANSFORMING LIVES IN SOUTH LOS ANGELES

Founded by former gang leader Alfred Lomas, the nonprofit celebrates nearly two decades of creating safer neighborhoods and brighter futures for youth and families.

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly 20 years ago, Alfred Lomas set out to change the trajectory of violence in the South Los Angeles neighborhoods where he once lived as a gang leader. Today, Inner City Visions (ICV), the nonprofit organization he founded, is celebrating nearly two decades of helping create safer communities, preventing human trafficking and providing opportunities for vulnerable youth and families.

Founded in 2007, ICV has grown into a respected community-based organization whose approach to violence prevention is rooted in trusted relationships, early intervention and a deep understanding of the neighborhoods it serves. Through street outreach, conflict mediation, crisis response, youth development and supportive services, ICV works to interrupt cycles of violence and connect individuals and families with resources that can change their lives.

One of ICV's notable accomplishments came through its involvement in the Parks After Dark initiative, launched in the Florence-Firestone community in 2012. The program brought community partners together to provide safe recreational opportunities for young people and families. According to an evaluation cited by ICV, the initiative was associated with a 43% reduction in murder and violent crime.

The organization's latest impact figures reflect the continued reach of its programs. During fiscal year 2025–2026, ICV recorded 6,682 direct community engagements, conducted 3,405 violence prevention activities and engaged 730 youth in programming. Its homeless outreach efforts assisted 786 individuals, while 432 individuals were successfully housed. ICV also organized 35 community-building events and delivered six school-based training programs.

For Lomas, the work is deeply personal. His remarkable transformation from a life as a gang leader, marked by violence and addiction, to becoming an award-winning peacemaker, certified crisis intervention specialist and community advocate has shaped ICV's mission and approach to serving others.

"Without freedom from violence, no other freedoms can exist," said Lomas.

That philosophy continues to guide ICV's work throughout South Los Angeles, particularly in the Florence-Firestone community. Today, the organization's programs focus on community safety and violence prevention, youth development and school safety, human trafficking prevention and intervention, and housing stability.

ICV's trained community intervention specialists work directly with individuals and families affected by violence, often responding during moments of crisis when immediate support can make a lasting difference. Its school-based programs help young people build confidence, strengthen relationships and develop the skills needed to make positive choices.

The organization's work has earned recognition, including being named a 2021 California Nonprofit of the Year. Lomas also serves as a lead community violence interventionist with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health's Office of Violence Prevention and is a member of the USC Department of Public Safety Community Advisory Board.

As ICV looks toward its next chapter, the organization remains committed to strengthening community partnerships, expanding opportunities for young people and helping families build safer, more stable futures.

On Friday, Nov. 13, ICV will commemorate this milestone at its inaugural Brighter Futures Luncheon: Celebrating 20 Years, at The Beehive in Los Angeles. The event will bring together community leaders, partners, supporters and friends to recognize two decades of service and share the organization's vision for the future. Former USC and Seattle Seahawks head football coach Pete Carroll, founder of A Better LA, will receive the inaugural Alfred Lomas Visionary Award in recognition of his leadership and commitment to reducing violence, fostering collaboration and strengthening communities throughout South Los Angeles.

The reception begins at 11:30 a.m., followed by the luncheon and program from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m.

About Inner City Visions

Founded in 2007 by Alfred Lomas, Inner City Visions (ICV) is a 501©(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating safer communities and expanding opportunities for youth, families and individuals throughout South Los Angeles. Through violence prevention and intervention, youth development, human trafficking prevention, crisis response and supportive services, ICV works to address the challenges facing underserved communities and help individuals build brighter futures.

For more information, visit www.innercityvisions.org.

SOURCE Inner City Visions