About Us
A community-driven organization dedicated to healing, hope, and human dignity.
Our Story
In the 1970s, when buildings were abandoned, the people inside them were left to decide what would happen next. Families who had called those places home for years suddenly found themselves without basic services, without support, and without answers. In that uncertainty, they faced a simple but difficult choice: leave, or stay and find a way forward together.
They chose to stay. Neighbors became one another’s strength. Together, they learned how to care for their buildings, manage what little resources they had, and protect their homes from being lost. They repaired what was broken, shared what they could, and supported one another through moments of fear, loss, and doubt. It wasn’t just about keeping a roof overhead—it was about holding onto dignity, stability, and a sense of belonging: home.
Through that experience, something powerful emerged: the understanding that even in the hardest moments, people can come together, think clearly, act responsibly, and create solutions that restore a future. That spirit lives on today through Practice of Peace, and we call the approach Health Realization. What began as neighbors helping neighbors has grown into a mission to support individuals and families with shelter, nourishment, safety, emotional healing, education, and a path forward. We serve with compassion because we understand the experience—not just in theory, but in practice. Because when people are supported, they don’t just survive—they rebuild, they grow, and they move forward with strength and purpose.
Our Mission
Practice of Peace Foundation is a capacity-building and stabilization organization dedicated to individual reclamation, renewal, and return to opportunity for individuals and families.
Our Vision
A world where every person realizes their innate capacity for well-being, lives with purpose and responsibility, and contributes to strong, caring communities.
We Do This By:
Delivering safe, well-managed housing and stabilization services for vulnerable populations
Integrating behavioral health, Health Realization, and strengths-based approaches to support healing and resilience
Building workforce readiness and economic mobility through training, education, and community partnerships
Supporting children and families through school-based and after-school programming that fosters growth and long-term success
Strengthening community systems through collaboration, training, and sustainable program development
Meet our team
Our staff bring lived experience of the communities we serve, and many live in those same neighborhoods.
Jose Valencia, CPA
Chief Executive Officer
Humberto Quishpe
Chief Operating Officer
Carlos Norena
Chief Financial Officer
German Rodriguez
Chief Compliance Officer
Our Board
Our Board of Directors guides Practice of Peace’s mission, strategy, and accountability to the communities we serve.
Irina Lange
Chairperson
Alieda Betancourt
Vice Chairperson
Esfira Elegudova
Secretary
Jenniffer Sanchez, CPA
Treasurer
Our Programs
Shelter & Support
Mental Health Healing
Basic Needs Support
Childhood Trauma Support
Employment & Education
Reintegration & Transportation
© 2026 by Practice of Peace Foundation, Inc.
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