About Peaceful Hugs

Our Mission

Peaceful Hugs is a nonprofit organization grounded in the Christian faith and guided by love, kindness, and non-judgment, dedicated to supporting those in need. We dedicated to supporting at-risk youth, and families experiencing crisis—especially those considered as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households who are working hard but still falling behind. Our mission is to bridge the gap to success by providing compassionate assistance and comprehensive wraparound services that foster personal and professional growth—no matter where you are on your journey. When no one else can help, Peaceful Hugs finds a path forward!

Our Vision

We envision a future where no one faces hardship alone—where every child and family has access to safe housing, essential resources, and the opportunity to thrive with dignity and hope.

Our Promise

Peaceful Hugs provides help to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, gender, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, marital status, membership in any labor organization, political affiliation, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

Our Statement of faith

At Peaceful Hugs, we are a Christian organization dedicated to providing nonjudgmental, compassionate support and wraparound services for at-risk youth and families of all faiths, or none at all, who are facing crisis—because everyone deserves dignity, hope, and a second chance.

We believe that every person is created with inherent worth and is deeply loved by God. Our mission is rooted in faith and expressed through action: meeting people where they are, walking alongside them in their struggles, and helping restore stability, healing, and purpose.

Our Commitment

We are committed to being a safe, welcoming presence for those in need—regardless of background, circumstance, or past mistakes. Through holistic care, community partnerships, and faith-driven service, we strive to uplift individuals and families, helping them move from crisis to stability and from despair to hope.

At Peaceful Hugs, love is not just something we believe—it is something we live.

OUR CORE TENets

Love God

We seek to honor God in all we do—through prayer, service, humility, and faithfulness. Our work is an expression of our devotion, guided by God’s grace, truth, and unconditional love.

Love Others

We are called to love others without judgment, extending compassion, respect, and kindness to all. We serve with open hearts, recognizing the dignity of every individual and offering support that restores hope and empowers lasting change.

“Many times it takes a loss to understand the meaning of Love! Love to understand the meaning of Happiness! Happiness to find Wisdom! It takes Wisdom to know loss can be a gift!”

– Mark Zahringer

A Message From Our Founder

Why We Started Peaceful Hugs

I want to spread the Detroit Soul across the country! Detroit is not just a city to me, it is a way of being, it becomes part of your Soul, and I am proud of my Detroit roots and believe it is the key to my success.

Board Members

Become a Partner

Non-Profits

We partner with hundreds of non-profits throughout the country. Whether you are a small non-profit in a local community or county, State-wide or have a National presence, please contact us so we can help those in need.

Corporate

Peaceful Hugs is looking for companies who want to make a difference in the lives of others. We are looking for companies to sponsor at-risk youth and families through donations or employment opportunities, on either a part-time or full-time basis, to people in our program.

If interested in helping others as a non-profit or corporate sponsor, please contact Mark at mark@peacefulhugs.org to learn more about our program and the lives of those you would change.

Corporate
Sponsors

The Meaning Behind Peaceful Hugs

Peace

Peace is the concept of harmonious well-being, freedom from hostile aggression, violence, and unresolved conflict. More than ever, we need peace.

Hugs

Hugs are a form of nonverbal communication. A hug can transcend religions, cultures, ages and gender lines. A hug can indicate familiarity, love, affection, friendship, brotherhood, or sympathy. A hug can indicate support, comfort, and consolation, particularly where words are insufficient. A hug is about human connection, touching another’s life, and being present and engaged.

Daisies

Daisies grow all year long and are naturally resistant to diseases, pests, and difficulties. They are overcomers. Daisy’s are composite flowers consisting of two flowers. The inner section is the disc floret and the outer petals are called the ray floret. Two flowers coming together as one symbolizes true love, harmony, and a connection that is eternal. A daisy, just like the person you give this flower to, appreciates simplicity, modesty, loyalty, and patience. Daisies close their petals each night and open them up every morning, a symbol for a new beginning in life and hope.