John Torres

John Torres has been a leader in the violence prevention field in the Bay Area for over 25 years and has a rich background in case management, crisis response and trauma support. Currently, he serves as the Associate Director for Oakland-based Youth ALIVE! whose mission is to break the cycle of violence and uplift a thriving community of leaders rooted in Oakland and beyond through prevention, intervention, healing and advocacy. Youth ALIVE! supports some the most traumatized individuals and families impacted by gun violence and/or homicide through an array of programs that include the nation’s first hospital-based violence intervention program (Caught in the Crossfire); a homicide response program (Khadafy Washington Project); a community conflict mediation program (Violence Interrupters); and counseling services. As Associate Director, John oversees and supports these programs as well served as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Additionally, he is also currently a certified trainer with the Health Alliance for Violence Intervention (HAVI) where he provides training and guidance for other hospital violence intervention programs (HVIP) throughout the country.