We can all, individually and together, give a “face” to peace. Starting from the awareness that even a small contribution towards peace can act like a seed, opening unforeseen pathways and bearing fruit in due time, then no effort is insufficient. Supporting AVSI’s projects and partners around the world, and here in the United States, we are nurturing seeds of peace, because each project creates or reinforces the conditions whereby people and communities can live with dignity. Human development and peacebuilding are two sides of the same coin: only being aware of one’s inherent dignity and unrepeatable value can a person see others in the same way and work towards a better life, cooperating and not competing.  

Thus, our openness to the world and to others is motivated by the conviction that we are essentially linked together, connected in a vital web of relationships. In this vision, the “other” represents a good for me, so that I care as much about my neighbor as I care about my very self.  

Projects and Goals 

Haiti - AVSI-USA continues to stand with the families, children, and youth in Port au Prince and Les Cayes, keeping hope alive even in front of unimaginable suffering and chaos. This year, we will support the educational and protection activities delivered by AVSI social workers, allowing children to continue to learn, grow, and heal in relationships with caring adults. Goal: $15,000 

Crecemos in Mexico– Last year, AVSI-USA raised funds to help start four community libraries, including the purchase of quality books and training of teachers and parents to continue the highly successful and in-demand literacy program: Mi Mama es Pura Cuento, y Mi Papa Tambien Cuenta. This year, we hope to continue our support and ensure that these libraries continue to thrive and enable Crecemos to respond to new requests as they arrive. - Goal: $10,000

Restorative Freedom Initiative – AVSI-USA launched a new project, the Restorative Freedom Initiative, to support a faith-based reentry home in Denver, Colorado, to accompany formerly incarcerated men as they return to society and rebuild relationships for a stable life, bringing the tested methodology from our friends at APAC in Brazil to this context. This year, we are expanding to a second re-entry program in the United States and continuing our outreach to communicate widely the experience that a more human approach to criminal justice is possible. – Goal: $10,000  

Holy Land –AVSI-USA hopes to support the schools and educational programs we have managed in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Jericho for 15 years and support the staff to adapt to difficult circumstances. The children in these schools are all safe since the onset of the fighting in early October, but schools have had to adjust teaching and extracurriculars to the emergency context. Now, more than ever, children need relationships in which they feel safe. With your donation, we will help families respond to primary needs, increase services and enhance psychosocial support, thanks to AVSI social workers. Goal: $15,000 

General Fund – AVSI-USA seeks 10 new monthly donors who believe in our mission and seek to have a multiplier effect by enabling us to respond to emergencies and seek new partnerships through which we be agents of peace. All are invited to join this growing community of supporters at the level of support that feels right for you – Goal: 10 new monthly donors. 

Visit our Annual Campaign webpage to learn more: https://avsi-usa.org/givepeaceaface/