IPYV's mission is to develop a wide range of innovative programs that steer youth away from gangs, violence, drugs, and other criminal and self-destructive behaviors.

A Collaborative Effort
Through IPYV's collaborative programs with local churches, schools and community-based organizations, the Institute is reaching out to parents, educators and community leaders in cities and suburbs across the United States. IPYV seeks to involve the entire "village" in its efforts to provide character-enhancing programs for the country's at-risk youth.

"Tookie's Corner"
"Tookie's Corner" is an Internet education program and is part of the Institute's Youth Legacy Project (YLP). The YLP is composed of several programs designed to uplift the self-esteem of youth and to educate parents: The Community Church Program, the School Assemblies Program and "Tookie's Corner."

"Tookie's Corner" has plans to develop online games for children which continue to emphasize values that will keep them from self-destructing.

Book Proceeds and Donations
Stanley "Tookie" Williams receives no money for having written the Tookie Speaks Out series and Life in Prison. He is donating proceeds to several nonprofit organizations, including Mothers Against Gang Wars, located in South Central Los Angeles, California. All donations and grants given to IPYV, a nonprofit entity, will go toward funding a diverse group of programs that will assist children in becoming responsible, successful and self-confident people.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You
"Tookie's Corner" and the other work of the Institute could not have happened without the volunteer work of many honorable people who want to improve the lives of the young people of this country. The list of helpers is long -- and, fortunately for us, growing. So a big thank-you goes to the following people:

Gene Perla at CyberNet Communications for providing IPYV with free website space; our Webmaster, Bonnie Forman, for being the chief architect of "Tookie's Corner"; Nancy Wilson and Max Joffe, who also helped construct this site; Andrew Schneider and Diane Frolov, who made it possible for Max Joffe to do his work; Michael Evans, who provided introductions to important people, such as Bonnie Forman, Andrew Schneider and Diane Frolov; and Stanley "Tookie" Williams for his willingness to put his life on the line -- by publicly opposing gangbanging -- to help children.

Institute for the Prevention of Youth Violence
If you have any questions about "Tookie's Corner" or the other work of the Institute, such as the Community Church Program or the School Assemblies Program, please contact Barbara Cottman Becnel through e-mail, or at:

Institute for the Prevention of Youth Violence
c/o Neighorhood House of North Richmond
305 Chesley Ave
Richmond, California 94801