Creating Friendships for Peace

Creating Friendships for Peace operates efficiently and impactfully because of the professionalism of our leadership. Becky Stirn is a wonderful example of how you can live a full life, working full time, raising a family and still find opportunities for volunteer service. In addition to her long-term commitment to conservation, Becky has served on the Board of Governors of Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Clinic for 44 years. Last June, she was honored with Wilmer’s Aida de Acosta Root Breckinridge Award, which recognizes women leaders who devote significant time and resources to the institute. “I never knew life without volunteering, regardless …

Thanks to your generosity and commitment, Creating Friendships for Peace ended 2024 in its strongest financial position to date! Income was better distributed throughout the year, lessening the pressure on fourth-quarter gifts. Total assets are now at $500,000, which moves us close to our goal of maintaining three years of operating expenses. We express our gratitude once more to Anne Germanacos, who provided stock gifts in 2015, 2017, and 2018 valued at a total of $60,000 that comprise our investments—surely these are gifts that keep on giving. We are also grateful to Raymond James Pinnacle Group for their contribution to …

CFP was blessed and privileged to witness and enjoy the wisdom, moral power and personal warmth of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter during our early years in Cyprus from 2009 – 2011.  He made indelible impressions on two CFP teen pairs, when he, UN Envoy Lahkdar Brahimi, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, representing The Elders, visited Cyprus to create a documentary film on Cypriot reconciliation. President Carter’s life is a true inspiration for those of us in CFP.  Our work in Israel and Palestine has benefited from his skillful and personal negotiation of the Camp David Accords, providing peace between Egypt and …

It gives us great pleasure to share with you that Tammy Haas is returning to the role of Executive Director for a two year term in which she will continue the expansion of CFP in the United States and facilitate the growing partnership with Rotary International. In fact, Tammy will be representing CFP in February at the Rotary Presidential Peace Conference in Istanbul.We wish to thank Betsy Small Campbell for her leadership these last two years in strengthening CFP’s operations and messaging. Because of the unexpected violence in Israel, we were called upon to respond quickly and creatively to provide …

Thank you to Suzan Arabacioglu who answered our ad for a graphic designer and donated her time and talent to update some of CFP’s marketing materials. Her help has been greatly appreciated and she was a joy to work with. On October 19th in SW Washington State, CFP held its first Host Family and Volunteer Appreciation event at Prairie Bar and Grill.  The event was hosted by Area Coordinator Jessica Ambrose, Co-Coordinator Brooke Anderson and incoming Executive Director Tammy Haas. Our goal was simple — it was to thank our host families,  countless volunteers and donors and show our appreciation. Without …