About H.E.A.R.T.
Helping ease abuse related trauma

H.E.A.R.T. is a community dedicated to making a thoughtful impact on the lives of abused children and the caregivers who strive to keep them safe through supporting the Violence Intervention Program.

H.E.A.R.T. is a group that works to raise funds and support to the child victims of abuse receiving services at the Violence Intervention Program (VIP). Through annual commitments, events, and donations, H.E.A.R.T. ensures "essential nonessentials" such as housing, food, mentoring and tutoring that allow VIP families to continue on their path to healing. We are passionate advocates, professionals and philanthropists,

All funds raised through H.E.A.R.T. directly support VIP clients.

About the Violence Intervention Program (VIP)

Founded in 1984 by Dr. Astrid Heppenstall Heger, the Violence Intervention Program (VIP) has been a leader in building transformative programs that raise the standard of care for all victims of child abuse and family violence in Los Angeles County. As the largest child abuse clinic in the country, we care for over 20,000 victims of abuse, neglect and sexual assault each year. With over 30 years of proven successes, our hallmark approach to care continues to be the "gold standard" for the care and treatment of victims of violence.

More than 60% of child abuse cases reported in L.A. County are evaluated by the expert staff at VIP. 75% of the clients we serve are under the age of 10. VIP is responsible for automating all medical records for all foster youth in L.A. County. VIP remains the only mental health service provider in Los Angeles that is directly integrated with a major medical center, the LAC+USC Medical Center.