Welcoming Global Neighbors
Children, teens, and adults enjoyed
painting rocks with Mama Peace –
using colors and images that are reminders
of hope, resilience, and kindness
even amid challenging times –
during the 2nd Annual Set Them Up
for Success Volleyball Tournament.
The event benefits the
New Neighbors Interfaith Alliance –
a coalition that helps welcome and
acclimate new immigrant neighbors
to Montgomery County, Maryland.
Excerpt from Jeni Stepanek’s social media post:
2025 0824 #PeaceMatters #MamaPeacePost
So many nifty folks volunteer to help me during the annual Peace Day celebration and during my #MamaPeaceChat sessions, and it feels ever-so-nifty when I have the opportunity to volunteer to help others at their events and gatherings.
On Saturday, I worked with other volunteers to bring our Mattie‘s Foundation #PeaceRocks activity to the “Set Them Up for Success!” volleyball fundraiser – hosted by the New Neighbor Interfaith Alliance.
So many people who are seeking a more secure life for their families come to this country with hope. In that time of change and uncertainty, they are in need of support – and kindness and joy.
It matters that we choose to be welcoming, not judgmental, as our neighbors from around the world become our local neighbors.
I can’t change “what” folks are going through, but I can choose to support “how” folks are embraced by community – so they can continue to know hope even amid challenges.
What a privilege – to sit with youth and adults and simply share a bit of time in conversation and community, chatting about the many good people and truths in our world.
#PeaceRocks is an educational and recreational
activity facilitated by Mattie’s Peace Foundation
to encourage conversation about
the power of choice, the use of “tools” for peace,
and the importance of peace elements such as
hope, joy, kindness, resilience, and compassion.
Learn more on our #PeaceRocks activity page.
Photo collages from the August 23, 2025 event
