NORFOLK, Va. — Violence in our community is a crisis according to those working to end it.

As we’ve witnessed several violent incidents in recent weeks in Hampton Roads, News 3 stopped by the My2K Foundation to learn more about some of the work being done in Norfolk to address problems before they escalate.

“Before the crime even happens, let’s sit down. Get them in this room,” said Calvin Williams, executive director of the My2K Foundation.

He was sitting in a room at the organization’s headquarters. Take a look around and you’ll notice positive words painted on the walls. This is where the group spoke with people in conflict.

“And that’s what needs to be done. People need to have conversations,” Williams said.

These conversations – where people choose words over weapons – are also happening in the community.

“Everyone says we need to talk about it. Talk to who? Who are you talking to? You all have a problem right there, in real time, people usually don’t get involved. They watch it unfold. , took out their camera and recorded it. They more or less let it happen. My organization, and other organizations like it, are there and we are going to mediate. positive,” Williams said.

Last spring, Williams spoke to News 3 about a program called Secure passages. The aim is to reduce violence when children return from school.

Williams said the program is helpful, but there is still work to be done to prevent violence and retaliation.

“This is my community. This is my community. How can I expect anyone to do something if I don’t do it myself?” Williams said. “The majority of people don’t want violence there, they just don’t know what to do. They’re looking for help. They’re looking for a way out. They’re looking for someone to stop the violence. And then some people who commit violence look for someone to mediate because they don’t want to commit violence, but they feel like that’s what they have to do.

He believes that the key to de-escalation lies in finding common ground.

“They saw us there. They had a conversation with us. They know what we’re talking about. They know we’re there and we’re not a threat. They know we don’t want to lock up the people, we just want the violence to stop.

And communication is aided by a deep understanding of his own past, having spent time in prison for crimes committed during his teenage years.

“I got robbed and took it upon myself to take the law into my own hands. By taking the law into my own hands, I had to face the real law,” Williams said. “I later found out through communication that I was robbed because someone was hungry.”

And while the My2K Foundation has gotten some recognition — receiving the 2024 UPLIFT Award and the City of Norfolk’s 2024 Safe Passage of the Year Award — Williams hopes the public will get more involved. This is by opening conversations, volunteering or donating to organizations that are trying to help.

“People turn their heads. And they kind of want the police to take care of it. They want the Commonwealth to take care of it. And they get angry when the police come to take care of it when a lot of times, “We heard before this was happening, it was about to happen. Everyone is part of the community, it’s not just one area,” Williams said. “We don’t do this for the accolades, we don’t do it for the money, but we understand that if we get more help, more funding, we could reach more young people.”

He knows that young people and the community are important.

“I believe deeply that people are good,” Williams said.

With the help of first aid and trauma response training, he said the groups have intervened in about 20 conflicts this year involving guns or knives and helped resolve other conflicts before that they do not degenerate. That’s not all, they plan either. To raise awareness about violence prevention and mental health support, they are hosting a Trunk or Treat on October 30.^th at Coleman Place Elementary School from 6 to 9 p.m. It’s open to the public and they accept donations for this event.

For more information about the My2K Foundation or to volunteer or donate, visit their websiteor contact them by email at [email protected].