Bringing Peace and Love to Puerto Vallarta and Beyond

July 7, 2009

Whether it's a child receiving schooling, a single mother learning new skills or a dog rescued from the street, one thing is certain: they are all grateful for Molly Fisher.

Fisher, a teacher from Denver, Colorado, who has been called "Nayarits Mother Teresa," is the founder and director of PEACE, a non-profit organization located in the Punta de Mita region of Mexico, north of Puerto Vallarta.

PEACE stands for Protection Education Animals Culture and Environment and was founded in 2005 to facilitate sustainable programs and nurtures self-empowerment by providing communities and individuals with tools to improve their quality life. The grassroots charity works hand-in-hand with communities to develop and implement appropriate programs to enhance the quality of life for all.

The seed was planted nearly 10 years ago, when Fisher was inspired to give back to the community after living for several years on Isla Mujeres. There, she helped found a free spay and neuter program for street animals. After she fell in love and married a Mexican man and they moved to Puerto Vallarta, she set her sights on loftier goals of making a difference to women, children and whole communities not just street animals and the roots of PEACE took hold. Today, the organization strives to protect the animals, culture and environment of Mexico and focuses upon education as the key to helping communities make a difference.

Four main programs fall under the umbrella of PEACE: Casa Comunidad (Community House), Ayuda a los Animales (Help The Animals), United Hands for Women (Manos Unidas por la Mujer) and Orgullo en la Comunidad (Community Pride).

English classes, after-school programs, recycling initiatives, and a free mobile spay/neuter clinic are among the various projects. Due to its constant evolution and growth, PEACE is continually seeking volunteers and funding to continue to expand geographically to other areas in Mexico. Internship positions are also available.

Says the website: "Through protecting and educating the resources that are here we feel that peace may be achieved. Peace between different cultures. Peace in the environment. Peace for the animals."

Find out more information about how to donate to or volunteer with PEACE at www.peacemexico.org