It’s hard to believe that April is here. I’m delighted to share Peace Neighborhood Center’s 2023 Annual Report —and a recap of some amazing news Peace has received over the last month. 

As we announced last month, Peace recently received a $2 million unrestricted grant award from MacKenzie Scott’s Yield Giving Open Call. A transformative gift for Peace — and the largest single investment our agency has ever received. In the last month, we also received a $700,000 grant from the State of Michigan’s Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity (LEO) to help cover a portion of the capital improvement costs for the new HUB Community Resource Center Peace is developing in Ypsilanti Township. 

All in, the $2.7 million in recent funding will enable Peace to continue to build our long-term financial sustainability— and invest in new initiatives that will deepen and expand Peace’s impact, including the HUB.

Both grants were highly competitive and an important validation of the vital work Peace does to help people change their lives. Throughout the Yield Giving Open Call’s review process, the agency was recognized for the strength and diversity of our leadership and staff, our 52 years of experience and growth, the impact Peace has had on thousands of people’s lives, and the longevity of the community support we receive from our donors and funding partners, like you.

I would be remiss if I didn’t thank all of you, our generous community of donors and funding partners who have faithfully sustained our mission and work over the last 52+ years. Make no mistake, Peace Neighborhood Center would never be in a position to receive this kind of funding support and recognition for the work we do without your support—and our dedicated staff, our former and current Board members, the many Peace Alumni who continue to stay in touch with the agency and support our work.

On behalf of everyone here at Peace Neighborhood Center, we appreciate all the ways you continue to support our mission and work. We couldn’t do it without you.

Peace and Blessings,

Bonnie Billups, Jr.

Executive Director

Now an annual tradition, Peace is hosting a special Pre-Mother's Day Brunch to celebrate a multi-generational group of Peace Neighborhood Center Mothers, who as their children’s first teachers, work hard to support their children’s growth & success—with love and care. 

All Peace mothers are welcome to join us on Saturday, May 4th from 11am - 1:00pm. A special brunch menu prepared by a professional chef and Peace Alum, self-care swag bags & more! Space is limited, so make certain to RSVP today at the link: bit.ly/PNCMothersDay2024

A special thank you to Zeta Phi Beta Sorority for sponsoring this fun and inspiring celebration!

Providing one-on-one academic support for K-12 students has always been an integral and important part of Peace’s After-School and Summer Programs.

Peace kids learn from a young age that our expectation is for them “to find their greatness, set their own goals, work hard, and continue to learn and build a positive path forward. Always supported by their Peace Family.”

Did you know that our Youth Program staff closely monitor each student’s academic standing and progress through direct access to students' Power School and Schoology accounts for grades, attendance, homework assignments? We also maintain open communications with teachers to help guide what academic skills and homework students should work on after school. Peace staff and volunteer tutors work one-on-one with students to help with homework and core academic skills, including reading, writing, and math. 

We're grateful for the 100+ tutors who give their time each semester to help Peace youth succeed in school. U-M students, area high school students, retired educators, and community members who make a commitment to meet at least once a week with a young student throughout the semester, from 5:30 - 6:30 pm, Monday–Thursday. Some tutors volunteer on multiple nights. Right now, our Peace students still need volunteer tutors to help them finish the school year strong.

INTERESTED IN TUTORING AT PEACE?

Questions? Contact Anabel: acruz@peaceneighborhoodcenter.org or call (734)662-3564.