FOUNDER’S MESSAGE

Can you imagine a world without Hands of Peace? A world where young people are separated without the opportunity to listen, learn and take action to build a better world?

Sadly, this will be the reality if we do not raise $200,000 by September 30 to continue our work.

In 2022, Hands of Peace was one of the only youth empowerment programs in the U.S. to bring Palestinian and Israeli youth to the U.S., with COVID restrictions in place. An external evaluation
showed that the Summer Program had long-lasting impact.

In 2023, more than 70 Israeli, Palestinian and American youth experienced the transformation of their lives during Summer Programs in Glenview and San Diego. 

But now Hands of Peace is facing a deficit that threatens our ability to empower more youth and bring hope to communities. The truth is, donations have been down since COVID, while
Hands of Peace has continued to provide life-changing programs by drawing down reserves.

And now, we are facing a challenge to keep our doors open for the next Summer Program.

That’s why my husband Brian and I are pledging $25,000 in matching funds if Hands of Peace meets our goal for gifts/pledges made before Sept. 30. And, to contribute to long-term
we are pledging $25,000 at the same time next year. I invite you to consider a two-year pledge as well.

To continue our bold mission to empower youth and give them hope, we are committed to:

• Raising $200,000 by September 30, our fiscal year end. (We have already raised $150,000 toward our $350,000 fiscal year-end goal, thanks to generous donors like you.) 
• Reducing our costs to be sustainable in the years to come.
• Bringing in more Board members to lead during this rebuilding period. If you are interested in Board service, contact Bonnie Lucas at bonnieloulucas@gmail.com.

Your heart may be heavy, like mine, as we see people suffering in so many places around the world—Israel/Palestine, Maui, Ukraine, and right in our backyards. The answer lies in this next generation of changemakers who are ready to overcome their differences to build a better future for us all.  

Through Hands of Peace –  a grassroots people-to-people organization – you have directly impacted over 800 lives, one courageous youth at a time. Those transformations create real change, rippling through families, schools, communities and countries. Please renew your support now, so together we can develop more youth leaders in the years to come.. 

Can I count on you to make a gift today, when we need you the most? Without you, there is no Hands of Peace. With you, we are transforming the lives of youth, and our own.

With deep gratitude,