RALEIGH, N.C. — A local organization that uses movement and dance to make people smile received a special recognition.

Community in Motion, also known as ComMotion, is the winner of the annual North Carolina Peace Prize. The organization gives people of all ages a space for them to express themselves, while also improving strength, quality of life and happiness.

The founders, Robin McCall and Andre Avila, initially focused on helping just veterans like themselves, but it eventually took off to a much larger community, including cancer survivors and senior citizens.

They said the program also helps kids develop social awareness and explore cultures from all over.

“I wanted to be able to give that same opportunity to other veterans and folks like me that needed something else, you know, to feel healthy, to feel part of something,” McCall, the executive director of ComMotion, said. “It’s so great to come in and get to see them be so happy because when we play the music and Andre’s energy it makes them smile, and laugh, and clap, and get up and move.”

The nonprofit is honored to be recognized with the North Carolina Peace Prize.

The North Carolina Peace Corps Association said Community in Motion reflects the values of the Peace Corps. Those values include public awareness, education, cross-cultural understanding and community service.

ComMotion has helped more than 25,000 people from all over the world, including here in North Carolina.