Grantee Spotlight
Live in Peace: Reclaiming Vision, Building Futures
The name Live in Peace (LIP) was born out of a pivotal moment in the community’s history—a time when violence was deeply affecting the lives of young people in East Palo Alto. It was common for students to create "R.I.P." t-shirts bearing the faces of friends and family members lost to violence. In response, Live in Peace introduced "Live in Peace" t-shirts instead—featuring graduates, leaders, and community heroes who were alive and thriving. This shift was more than symbolic; it marked the beginning of an organization committed to changing the narrative for youth and young adults. Today, Live in Peace continues to empower young people to reclaim their vision for the future.
LIP provides mentorship, counseling, tutoring, coaching, and advocacy. Their programs focus on students at the highest risk of dropping out—young people who are often not served by other initiatives. Through programs like the College Initiative, which re-engages students in academics, and the Bike Shop, which provides hands-on learning and career pathways, LIP helps youth discover their talents, access new opportunities, and build brighter futures. For many, LIP is more than a program—it’s a community. Their homes and spaces serve as a second home for students, and for those facing housing instability, a critical place of stability during times of transition. The organization is led by dedicated community leaders from East Palo Alto who not only support students but encourage them to become advocates for their own futures and stewards of their community.
At Live in Peace, love isn’t just a feeling—it is an action, a responsibility, and a promise to the next generation. It is in the way they show up for young people, create spaces of belonging, and fight for every student’s right to dream and achieve.
This month, we celebrate their work, their unwavering commitment, and the lasting impact they continue to make in the lives of young people.