P.E.A.C.E.
Annual Report
Foreword: Three Years of PEACE — And We’re Just
Getting Started
Dear PEACE Community,
Three years ago, PEACE began as a simple conversation — a quiet but persistent vision for creating culturally responsive mental
health support within the Asian American community. What started as an idea has now grown into a vibrant and committed
organization, supported by a dedicated board, our first full-time executive director, Grace Lee, and a community of partners, donors, and volunteers who have believed in this mission from the beginning.
My name is David Daesoo Kim, founder of PEACE. I still remember sitting with Joanne at the Bleu House, sharing a vision I had
carried for nearly a decade. That conversation marked the beginning of something none of us could fully imagine at the time. Soon
after, Melody and other early board members joined. In those early days, even small milestones felt significant, including the three of us walking into a bank together to open our very first account. We prepared for our first launch with excitement, uncertainty, and
hope. Three years later, that hope has matured into meaningful work and lasting relationships. Today, we enter a new chapter with the hiring of Grace Lee as our first full-time executive director. Her leadership represents both growth and sustainability, a sign that
PEACE is moving from vision to long-term impact. There is a well-known proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go
far, go together.”Over the past three years, we have experienced the truth of these words. PEACE is no longer one person’s idea, it is a shared commitment. Our board members bring wisdom, passion, and thoughtful disagreement that ultimately strengthens our work.
One of the most meaningful aspects of this journey has been learning to engage in difficult conversations while continuing to build
trust and community. This ability has become one of our greatest strengths. I would also like to extend special gratitude to Sharon,
whose been our half-time program coordinator. Her steady presence, organization, and initiative have helped move PEACE
forward in countless ways. I often joked that she was my “boss,” because she consistently ensured that we stayed focused and
accountable. Without her contributions, reaching this milestone would have been far more difficult. We are equally grateful to our
donors, volunteers, and supporters. Your generosity has made it possible for us to move from aspiration to action. You are the engine behind this work. Because of your support, we have been able to envision and expand culturally responsive mental health services for our community. Your partnership affirms that this work matters and that together we can continue building something meaningful and lasting. Thank you for walking with us over these past three years. We are deeply grateful for your partnership and look forward to the road ahead — together.
With gratitude and hope,
David Daesoo Kim
Founder
Our Highlights
Advocacy, counseling, and education are the core pillars of P.E.A.C.E. Our programs are thoughtfully designed to meet the evolving needs of our community while remaining grounded in our mission. Since our launch in February 2024, we have provided over 400 hours of free therapy to individuals and families in our community. We have also created meaningful spaces for youth through initiatives such as our Young Men’s Support Group and youth empowerment events, including our Back-to-School Pickleball Kickoff. In addition, we remain committed to hosting and participating in workshops and seminars that educate our community on a wide range of mental health topics.
As Asian Americans, we recognize the deep-rooted stigma surrounding mental health and the consequences of leaving these challenges unaddressed. P.E.A.C.E. is dedicated to supporting vulnerable communities and bridging gaps in access to culturally responsive and linguistically appropriate mental health care.
Client Reflections
The P.E.A.C.E. Grant has been our primary initiative, providing free one-on-one counseling to lower-income AAPI individuals. Through culturally responsive and linguistically appropriate care, our recipients have been able to navigate personal challenges, improve their mental well-being, and feel more supported within their communities. These experiences highlight the meaningful impact of accessible mental health services and the ongoing need for equitable care.
“I loved and appreciated PEACE program a lot and the team that made it possible for me to have therapies. I was at a point in my life where I really needed a therapist to talk to but the budget was a concern. The PEACE program and my counselor Dr. Lee made my life easier and better by helping me through the difficult times.”
“The impact Peace has had on my life stretches through generations. It has helped me and my family begin to repair our relationships in ways I did not think possible. Being able to put a label on such complex feelings has made it more tangible to work through. I would not be in such a good place without the counseling I was able to access through Peace.”
“I am so very blessed and thankful I got the opportunity to receive counseling from Dr. Lee. Thank you for providing services to those who really can't afford it. The peace program was such a valuable gift that I am grateful for.”
“My favorite part was that my counselor understood different aspects of my cultural identity without explanation. I never felt judged and felt seen in ways I really needed. Also the ability to receive sessions in person or virtually really kept it accessible for me.”
Clinician Reflection
It has been a joy to work with P.E.A.C.E. I am immensely grateful to join an organization whose values align with my own and guides so much of the work I do as a therapist. I appreciate how easy it was to get onboarded with Sharon. Furthermore, meeting with her and connecting on a 1:1 level to discuss P.E.A.C.E's missions made me excited to join the network. Reflecting on my work with the client I was matched with reminds me of how important accessibility/destigmatizing is. I'm looking forward to the future of P.E.A.C.E.'s continued impact on our community.
Dr. Cayla Leung/Dive Therapy
Peace Network
Alia Azmat
Angela Lee (Rice Counseling)
Cayla Leung (Dive Therapy)
Cecilia Lee (Oikos Counseling)
Daniel Wang (Rice Counseling)
Daun Kwag (Rice Counseling)
David Kim (Rice Counseling)
Julia Eunhwa Lee (Rice Counseling)
Kimberly Song (Rice Counseling)
Tom Kim (Oikos Counseling)
Wendy Hsu(Rice Counseling)
Youmi Kim(Rice Counseling)
Special thanks to our P.E.A.C.E. Network, a growing community of AAPI clinicians who are deeply committed to our mission. Your dedication, compassion, and willingness to give your time have made a meaningful impact on our community.
Finances
We are excited to welcome our new Executive Director, Grace Lee, as P.E.A.C.E. enters its next chapter. With 13 years of experience serving youth and a strong background in nonprofit leadership, Grace brings both clinical expertise and a proven ability to grow impactful programs. Most recently, she served as Executive Director of KKOOM, where she raised $1.1 million as the sole full-time staff member, while leading initiatives supporting children in Korea’s social welfare system.
She holds a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Georgia State University and has worked with diverse populations, including college athletes and refugees in Clarkston, GA.In 2026, P.E.A.C.E. will shift its focus toward providing culturally responsive mental health resources for AAPI youth ages 26 and under. Through community events, educational workshops, and support groups, we aim to create a safe, accessible space where young people can receive care, build resilience, and find connection. This work would not be possible without the continued support of our community and partners, and we are excited for Grace’s leadership as we invest in the next generation.
Looking Ahead
Partners and Donors
To our donors and partners who have supported us since the beginning, thank you for seeing our vision early on and believing in the work we hoped to build together.
There are so many individuals who have generously supported P.E.A.C.E., and we truly would not be where we are today without you. Every contribution has helped us provide care, create meaningful programs, and continue showing up for our community.
Our Board
Special Thanks to our hard working board, they are the heart of our organization. We are extremely thankful to have a board that is ready to work and put in those extra hours to make sure we are running!
Benjamin Tan, David Kim, Daun Kwag, Heeyun Lee, Joanne Choe, Joon Choi, Kyunghwa Kim, Taesun Park
Empowering AAPI Mental Health Together
Your support will help create programming and a community that is flourishing and thriving. Let’s build what’s next together.
