More than ever before, young people are facing mental health challenges, but they frequently lack access to the very resources that would help them. PoM’s comprehensive curriculum equips them with the tools they need to manage stress, self-regulate, and build healthy relationships. Every year, more than 6,000 students participate in weekly lessons in schools across the city. Students practice mindfulness, establishing a foundation of care for themselves and others. As they grow in confidence, PoM introduces the neuroscience behind strong emotions and guides them through the process of de-escalating conflicts. By 8th grade, students know how to apply these skills to address community issues and injustices. Using digital programming to reach more kids “where they are” PoM is raising a healthier generation of young people and the next generation of peacemakers.

Headquarters: DC-Ward 3

Where They Operate: DC-Citywide; MD-Statewide; VA-Statewide

Age Groups Served: Pre-K (3-4); Youth (5-11); Pre-teen/teen (12-17)

Population(s) Served: Individuals with Disabilities; Individuals who identify as LGBTQ; Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members; Men/Boys; Women/Girls; Students; Immigrants/Refugees

Schools They Work In: Ida B. Wells Middle School; Elsie Whitlow Stokes Public Charter School; Ross Elementary School; Horace Mann Elementary School; Lafayette Elementary School; Seaton Elementary School; Brookfield Montessori; St Andrews Episcopal School; Charles E Smith Jewish Day School; Bannockburn Elementary School; Groveton Elementary School; and many others


  • Number of students we serve annually in the DC metro area:   3,500+
  • Percent of Peace of Mind students who say skills help them inside and outside of the classroom:   97%

Awards & Recognition

Keynote address at National Network of State Teachers of the Year 2020

Commendation from the DC Board of Education for Peace of Mind founder Linda Ryden's work 2019

Press

Budget (FY2023)

  • $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • The current budget for Peace of Mind is: Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

About Spur Local

Every year, 190+ local nonprofits (with budgets under $4M) apply to join the Spur Local network. 170+ community volunteers assess these applications for impact. 100% of organizations are site visited and financially reviewed. Finally, 76+ critical, local nonprofits are selected for inclusion in Spur Local's annual print and digital catalog, and enter a four-year partnership with us. Since 2003, we have raised over $65 million for nonprofits across the Greater Washington region. We charge no fees and raise funds separately to support our work.

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