Peace Neighborhood Center | Ann Arbor

Peace Neighborhood Center is a long-established nonprofit organization located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, dedicated to serving individuals and families experiencing social, economic, and educational challenges. Since its founding in 1971, the center has played a vital role in fostering community well-being by providing a wide array of supportive programs and resources that promote self-sufficiency, personal growth, and community engagement. It focuses primarily on empowering youth, strengthening families, and helping adults build the skills necessary for stable employment and a better quality of life.

Mission and Core Values

The core mission of Peace Neighborhood Center is to support residents—especially youth and families—who face economic hardships, social obstacles, or systemic barriers. The center’s philosophy is grounded in the belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to thrive. Through education, advocacy, and direct services, the center aims to break the cycle of poverty, reduce inequality, and foster a safe and inclusive community where diversity is valued and personal growth is encouraged.

Youth Programs

Youth services form a central pillar of Peace Neighborhood Center’s work, reflecting the understanding that early intervention and consistent support are critical for long-term success. The center provides a comprehensive continuum of programs tailored to meet the developmental and educational needs of children and adolescents from elementary school through high school:

REACH After-School Program: This program supports elementary-aged children by offering homework assistance, tutoring, and enrichment activities designed to improve academic performance and social skills. It creates a safe space for students during out-of-school hours, promoting positive development.

Alternatives For Youth (AFY): Targeted at middle school students, AFY combines mentoring, academic support, and character development to help young teens navigate challenges at home and school while fostering leadership qualities.

Ninth Grade Academy: Recognizing the critical transition period from middle to high school, this program provides targeted support to ninth graders to help them successfully adjust to the increased academic and social demands of high school life.

College and Career Prep Club: Designed for high school students, this initiative focuses on post-secondary planning, offering guidance on college applications, financial aid, scholarships, and career exploration. It helps students envision and prepare for their future pathways.

Summer Programs: During summer breaks, the center runs various camps and leadership development opportunities such as a Summer Day Camp for younger children, a Leadership Development Camp for middle school students, and paid Counselor-in-Training positions for high schoolers. These programs emphasize skill-building, community service, and fun.

Mentorship Initiatives: Programs like Rising Sons (for young men) and STARS—Sisters Together Achieving Real Success (for young women)—offer gender-specific mentorship that nurtures confidence, accountability, and leadership, helping youth navigate adolescence with strong role models.

Family and Adult Support Services

Recognizing the importance of family stability and adult empowerment, Peace Neighborhood Center offers a variety of programs aimed at enhancing family life and supporting adults in overcoming barriers:

Family Enrichment Programs: These workshops and activities focus on strengthening family relationships, parenting skills, and communication within the home. The goal is to create healthier family dynamics and provide parents with tools to support their children’s growth.

Case Management and Advocacy: Social workers and advocates help individuals access resources such as housing assistance, healthcare, and legal aid. This service is especially critical for families facing crises or systemic challenges, providing personalized support to navigate complex systems.

Emergency Assistance: The center offers emergency aid for families experiencing urgent needs like utility shut-offs, rent arrears, or food insecurity. This assistance can be a vital lifeline to prevent homelessness or prolonged hardship.

Job Placement and Career Development: Programs assist adults in job searching, resume building, interview preparation, and developing workplace skills. They provide pathways to stable employment and economic independence.

Substance Abuse Support: Counseling and recovery services are available to individuals struggling with addiction, helping them access treatment and build support networks to sustain recovery.

Facilities and Locations

The main Peace Neighborhood Center facility is located at 1111 North Maple Road in Ann Arbor, serving as a hub for programming, community gatherings, and administrative operations. In addition to this central location, Peace operates multiple satellite sites to extend its outreach and serve diverse populations:

West Arbor: This 46-unit supportive housing complex combines affordable living with on-site services tailored to residents’ needs, including youth programming and family support.

Baker Commons: A 64-unit housing facility designed for individuals with disabilities, offering supportive services such as case management and meal programs aimed at fostering independence and community integration.

Maple Meadows: Another satellite facility focusing on residential support and community-based services for local residents.

In recent years, Peace Neighborhood Center has expanded its reach by establishing the Peace HUB Community Resource Center in Ypsilanti Township. This 8,000-square-foot facility enhances service accessibility for underserved populations, offering case management, emergency assistance, a food pantry, workforce training, educational programs, and communal meals. The HUB is designed to serve thousands of residents in nearby neighborhoods, extending Peace’s impact beyond Ann Arbor’s city limits.

Community Impact and Role

Peace Neighborhood Center has cultivated a strong reputation as a trusted and effective community resource over its more than five decades of operation. It has helped thousands of individuals and families address immediate needs while building long-term skills and connections. By combining educational support, social services, housing assistance, and community engagement, the center acts as a catalyst for breaking cycles of poverty and fostering resilience.

The center’s holistic approach emphasizes collaboration with schools, local government, other nonprofits, and neighborhood groups to maximize resources and create a supportive network for clients. Its programs contribute to improved academic outcomes, reduced youth delinquency, enhanced family stability, and greater economic opportunity across the communities it serves.

Peace Neighborhood Center embodies a commitment to social justice, inclusivity, and empowerment, serving as a beacon of hope and a vital pillar of support for vulnerable populations in Ann Arbor and beyond.

This detailed portrait illustrates Peace Neighborhood Center as a multifaceted organization deeply embedded in the social fabric of its community, providing critical programs and services designed to uplift and transform lives across generations.