Helping

Children, Families, and Individuals

build futures that include self-suffiiciency and positive community involvement

“Deepening our Roots and Growing Stronger”

Every January brings an opportunity to reflect on what we accomplished last year as we set goals/objectives for the next 12 months. I spend time analyzing Peace’s fiscal year-end numbers to build a budget for the next year. It’s always seemed like a function of fiscal responsibility, but over time I have evolved to think about it differently.

You see, having grown up at Peace and served this organization for over 46 years, you begin to see these annual transitions in a different light, more holistically.

I can’t help but think about where Peace started, how far we’ve come as an agency, and where we’re headed. When I look back to Peace’s humble beginnings in 1971 when a diverse group of neighbors sought to create a new community center that could bring about change for new residents on Ann Arbor’s West side to where we are today, I can’t help but reflect on how far we’ve come. Wow.

Every year brings its own challenges with opportunities for new learning and growth that builds upon our organization’s experience, extending and deepening our agengy’s impact. Just the way a tree grows—deepening our roots, growing concentric circles outward, and extending our limbs and reach. Generational growth that has extended and deepened our agency’s impact—not just for the people we serve, but also for our wider community.

Those initial seeds planted years ago, have been watered and nurtured—with new seeds planted to respond to our community’s changing needs. To help each person and family who walks through our doors grow along their own path to greatness.

For over 53 years, Peace has been expanding the agency’s reach and our ability to offer more in-depth support for our kids and families with each new initiative and investment we make. Peace has been continually growing and learning—from fine-tuning our youth programs to include age-specific programming for middle school youth and college & career prep for high school students to family enrichment, in-depth case management, and more recently, the Wellness Center program.

Where are we going? We’re poised for even greater growth as we look to launch a new HUB Community Resource Center in Ypsilanti Township—and build new community partnerships to bring about change for our wider community. An exciting opportunity for Peace to expand our footprint and reach.

We look forward to where we have yet to go. With all that we have planted, watered, nurtured and seen bear fruit along the way, this latest growth should prove to be some of the most rewarding yet.

Thank you, Peace Family, for all you have done and continue to do to support our growth, and help this colorful tree grow bigger and get stronger!

With Gratitude,

Bonnie Billups, Jr.
Executive Director

Read our 2022 Annual Report and discover how Peace utilizes your donations. Check out our Stories and Snapshots and learn about the breadth of Peace’s impact over the past 50+ years.

 

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

... See MoreSee Less

1 CommentComment on Facebook

♥️

March is National Reading Month and Peace has been busy with activities highlighting the joys and benefits of reading as a family. Earlier in the month, the Family Enrichment Program took a visit to the Westgate branch of the Ann Arbor District Library. Families had the chance to get library cards, check out books and create their own books together—a terrific afternoon of reading fun!

#readingisfun #peace
... See MoreSee Less

March is National Reading Month and Peace has been busy with activities highlighting the joys and benefits of reading as a family. Earlier in the month, the Family Enrichment Program took a visit to the Westgate branch of the Ann Arbor District Library. Families had the chance to get library cards, check out books and create their own books together—a terrific afternoon of reading fun!

#readingisfun #peaceImage attachmentImage attachment
2 weeks ago
Peace Neighborhood Center

Actually filmed on Saturday and posted Sunday! ... See MoreSee Less

9 CommentsComment on Facebook

Bonnie- The space is coming along nicely. I am so excited to see the expansion of services and look forward to the collaboration with other community partners.

Congratulations 🦋 so awesome 🙏🏽🙌🏽

Oh Bonnie, this is all great news!! You all have been so faithful to this community and the people for generations. So many helping programs are there for a minute, chance, or a moment, but Peace is a trusted community partner for the long haul for people who are navigating complex and long-term challenges. I appreciate you 🫠

Thanks for the tour. This is a great project in an area that will greatly benefit from Peace's experience in lifting up folks.

Congratulations on the funding you received! Great tour…what a blessing the Hub will be for our community.

Congrats on the funding! The space is looking amazing! Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley is excited for the future with you and other community partners!

Such good news! Thankful for the grant money! I love these update videos of the HUB center and how it's progressing---making a dream come true!

exciting times!

Wow, Congrats Bonnie.

View more comments

While we brace for the return of winter weather, Peace is grateful for the spring-like temps we've experienced this past week! An important part of effectively engaging students after school is allowing for physical activity. Not only is it crucial for physical health, but research shows it also leads to improved academic succe#gratefult#sunshineshine ... See MoreSee Less

While we brace for the return of winter weather, Peace is grateful for the spring-like temps weve experienced this past week! An important part of effectively engaging students after school is allowing for physical activity. Not only is it crucial for physical health, but research shows it also leads to improved academic success.

#grateful #sunshineImage attachmentImage attachment+3Image attachment

1 CommentComment on Facebook

Love ❤️ it keep up the great work.

Read Peace's latest newsletter:

A Look at College Prep and Upcoming Key Dates
conta.cc/3IbevMU
... See MoreSee Less

Read Peaces latest newsletter: 

A Look at College Prep and Upcoming Key Dates
https://conta.cc/3IbevMU
Our impact on

Your Community

18,000 individuals

helped through Washtenaw County

13,000 meals

in youth service

60 young adults

guided into college

The Peace Center is like a home away from home. It really is special, both in the summer and during after school programs. This place feels like it is our roots. Even as you grow, you still are with your roots.
Lauryn Comer

Lauren

Locations

We are in your neighborhood

Main Facility

1111 N. Maple Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
(734) 662-3564

Wellness Center

1111 N. Maple Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48103

West Arbor Satellite Center

717 N. Maple Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48103

Maple Meadows Satellite Center

880 S. Maple Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48103

Baker Commons Satellite Center

106 Packard St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48104

HUB Community Resource Center - Coming Soon

1515 S. Harris Rd.
Ypsilanti MI 48198