Sept. 21 was International Peace Day, and local resident and Department of Children & Families (DCF) employee Jacqueline Ford invited several children from North Haven to her home on that day to draw pictures and write messages of peace on her driveway.

Ford said the DCF along with Peace Center of Connecticut created a hashtag called #wechalk4peace. She hopes it will go viral and start a chain reaction not only to all families around Connecticut, but also other states, to create a peaceful chalk art drawing or inspirational message to show how their family lives a peaceful life.

Peace Center of Connecticut was founded by Iran Nazario, a foster child who was involved with gangs as a youth, but repurposed his life to serve the community, help youths overcome obstacles, and prevent violence, according to Ford.

The reason Ford, who works to raise foster care and adoption awareness, held the gathering was to show support for kids and families.