Our Founder
Tonia Harding
Here’s her story.
A “PEACE” Of Me is a family created and operated non-profit organization established to help individuals in need within our community. It can be said that A “PEACE” Of Me was birthed, well before it was established, in our multi-generational Church Hill neighborhood home. Growing up in Richmond, Va., my great-grandmother Ella Harrison led by example. She assisted and opened her home to anyone in need, and her kitchen doors were always open to fill their bellies. Grandma Ella, as we called her, taught all four generations growing up under her love and care, the importance of being a part of the community and helping others without judgment. Though Grandma Ella has transitioned to her final resting place, her legacy still lives on in me. For years, I have helped those that I saw in need on a personal level. As I would drive around the City of Richmond, I saw more and more need. My husband and I began volunteering with the M.O.R.E. (“Meaningful Outreach Reaching Everyone”) organization, in November of 2023. It was around that time I realized this was so much more than a volunteer event, feeding the homeless and helping my community was a calling that has been passed down from generation to generation. In March of 2024, I launched A “PEACE” of Me. My organization feeds anywhere from 150 to 175 people per event. We provide healthy quality meals, personal hygiene products, clothing, blankets, water and so much more. I have a great community of volunteers, however more support is needed to help with the growing number of participants. Little access to simple things such as toiletries and personal hygiene products can limit the opportunities to get the support needed to live a healthier lifestyle and help make our communities better places to live and work. There is always a need that can be financed to help someone get a hand up rather than a handout. Each and every person we help still has a story unfolding. A “PEACE“ Of Me plans to be a part of that story. Handing out bags of essential items and a warm meal to those in need, seeing their smiles of appreciation, are deposits in the bucket for motivation. We are a support and network system that is built to provide a way out of homelessness in our community.