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 emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent economic impact, we continue to work with our youth and families who experienced extraordinary hardships. Our current programming is focused on 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 those experiencing anxiety, increased stress and/or depression
If you are inclined to help, donations can be made through the secure link below. We thank you for your continuing support.
Serving
Children, Families, and Individuals
affected by social and economic problems
Helping our youth get to college starts early at Peace—by building a culture of academic expectations and achievement from 1st grade through high school, with continued support throughout college.
Introduced in 2014 as part of Peace’s summer programming, Peace’s Ninth Grade Academy helps our 8th grade graduates gain skills to successfully transition from middle school to high school, ready to succeed. During the summer, rising 9th graders are introduced to Peace’s College & Career Prep Club, where they learn specific study skills, what classes to take, academic expectations, extracurricular opportunities, and more. They also develop leadership skills as Peace “Counselors-in-Training”, where they have the opportunity to lead Summer Day Camp activities and mentor younger Peace youth.
The ultimate goal: to ensure Peace 9th graders start high school ready to succeed academically and have all they need to be able to participate in extracurricular activities so they have a well-rounded high school experience. One that positions them to succeed in college. #50yearsofPeace
Pictured: Peace Counselors-In-Training in action this summer.
Did you know? This summer, 125 youth will have an unforgettable summer experience at Peace! Peace's Summer Youth Services include a range of targeted and age-appropriate opportunities for youth:
--Summer Day Camp for elementary school kids,
--Leadership Development Camp for middle school teens,
--Counselors-in-Training roles for youth transitioning to high school, and
--Camp Counselor job opportunities for high school and college students.
Summer programming features a combination of academic, leadership, team-building, and enrichment activities, as well as fun and educational field trips. Over the course of the seven weeks of Peace summer programming (Monday, June 28 to Friday, August 13), we will be sharing program highlights and a bit about what makes each program unique.
In the meantime, enjoy a few photos from the first two weeks of camp!
This week, youth in Peace's Leadership Development Camp, our summer program for middle schoolers, tried their hand at inventing. Small groups of youth were tasked with creating a product and pitching it to the other groups and staff leaders in a Shark Tank-style competition. The creative inventions included a 3D printer that can print (and recycle!) any toy, and a self-defense necklace with a hidden button that texts an SOS when pressed. It's clear that our kids intended to address some real-world problems with their inventions. These are the engineers, designers, and entrepreneurs of the future!
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