Another Successful Thanks for Giving Virtual Event!
Click the button below for stories from Peace alumni, staff, and supporters; tearful award ceremonies; and lots of footage of our very own Bonnie Billups, Jr.
2021 marks Peace Neighborhood Center’s 50th Anniversary!
Over the last 50 years, Peace Neighborhood Center has helped over 16,000 people across Washtenaw County change the trajectory of their lives, including mine.
I’ve been at Peace most of my life, and have had the privilege of meeting thousands of remarkable people. Each with their own personal story that reflects the hard work they’ve put in to overcome extraordinary obstacles and create a brighter future for themselves. Many of our former “Peace kids” have gone on to careers to give back and pay it forward by helping others. All continue to remind me every day that we really do have the power to help people change their lives.
Know that while Peace has grown over the last 50 years, we have stayed true to our core values, family-style approach, and unwavering commitment to helping people find their greatness. I never get tired of sharing the miracles we witness at Peace every day.
Over the next six months, we will be celebrating “#50yearsofPeace” by sharing a series of 50 Stories & Snapshots here on our website and over our social media channels—to reconnect with our extended Peace Family and to highlight the impact we’ve had on thousands of people’s lives. We hope you share your own story with us.
To mark this milestone, we are looking to raise $1 million and beyond to ensure Peace’s financial future and to invest in three program areas:
- Academic support for Peace youth, including early literacy and reading support
- Transformational road trips, college visits, and other educational activities that seed future possibilities for Peace youth
- Licensed clinical counseling to address the increased need for mental health support among Peace youth and families
I’m extremely grateful for our entire Peace Family—the young people, adults, and families we serve; our talented and committed staff; our dedicated volunteers; and our generous community of donors. Thank you all for playing a role in Peace’s continuing success these last 50 years!
I continue to have faith that together, we can build a more just and equitable community. For all of us.
Peace and Blessings!
Bonnie Billups, Jr.
Executive Director
Peace Family,
As we face the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent economic impact, we continue to work with our youth and families—many of whom have experienced extraordinary hardships. We have prioritized programming in these four major areas:
- Academic support for students
- Expanded food distribution opportunities
- Emergency assistance to support those facing lost wages and other financial hardships
- Mental health support to meet the increased need of our youth and families experiencing anxiety and/or depression
Please consider a gift to Peace Neighborhood Center to support our annual programming and/or 50th Anniversary Campaign. We count on your continuing support. Donations can be made through the secure link below. Thank you!
Serving
Children, Families, and Individuals
affected by social and economic problems
A staple of Peace's holiday support is our Thanksgiving food distribution. Thanks to generous donors, we are able to ensure a happy Thanksgiving for Peace families. Some donors bring in turkeys to ensure a core Thanksgiving food for our families, while others opt for gift cards to give our families the agency to select what foods fit their dietary needs or family preferences.
Pictured: Peace's Children Services Coordinator, Raven and members of GBU Financial Life with their gift of turkeys and gift cards.
#50yearsofPeace
Peace Neighborhood Center's Annual New Toy Drive starts Monday 11/29/21.
Please drop off any New Unwrapped toys at our main center 1111/1121 North Maple Rd between 9am-6pm Mon-Fri.
Weekend drop off times times will be available 12/18. Any questions please feel free to call 734/662-3564 during office hours starting 11/29.
Peace serves over 14,000 meals each year—whether during summer camp, after-school activities, or family enrichment programming. We know it's hard to engage young people when they're hungry, so our summer camps and after-school programs include at least one full, nutritious meal each day for our kids. Shared meals also play a key role in developing a sense of community—which is why most Peace family enrichment events include a meal.
This week, Peace hosted a Thanksgiving celebration for all youth enrolled in our programs. Kids enjoyed a delicious turkey dinner, played musical chairs and Thanksgiving bingo, and contributed something they were grateful for to a mural. A fun opportunity to connect! #50yearsofPeace
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones from your Peace Family! We are deeply grateful to everyone who has given financial support or time to Peace so far in 2021—including the 90+ donors who collectively raised $120,000 for Peace's 50th Campaign during our most successful Thanks for Giving Dinner yet. Thank you to all those who joined us for the evening's program, which features Peace Alumni, Former Staff, and Volunteers. You can watch the full program here: bit.ly/TFG2021Recording.
Whether you have made an annual gift, contributed to Peace's special 50th Campaign, volunteered at Peace, or joined us for last week's Thanks for Giving Dinner, your support has never been more important. We continue to help our Peace families navigate the ongoing challenges of the COVID pandemic and intermittent school closures.
Your gifts support a culture of academic achievement, where students are encouraged to set future goals that include college or trade school. You've helped us serve hundreds of meals, including this week's Thanksgiving Dinner for Peace youth. You help make our families' holidays bright through our toy and food distribution. And your investment in Peace's staff and programs ensures we can continue to instill life lessons and core values. As Peace Alum and Former Staff Poppy Turner put it, “If everybody had a place like Peace, the world would be an amazing place.”
We are grateful for your continuing support, which is essential in helping us continue to meet the needs of those we serve. #50yearsofPeace
Our impact on
Your Community
16,000 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.
Lauren
Locations
We are in your neighborhood
Main Facility
1111 N. Maple Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
(734) 662-3564
Maple Meadows Satellite Center
880 S. Maple Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
West Arbor Satellite Center
717 N. Maple Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Peace House
1111 N. Maple Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48103