The Bucks County Peace Center, an organization that promotes nonviolent solutions to conflict, will remain open thanks to support from the community, writes Jo Ciavaglia for the Bucks County Courier Times.  

Last month, the Langhorne-based center announced that it would be shutting down after 40 years of serving the community. 

After the announcement, Executive Director Barbara Simmons presented a proposal to the outgoing board, providing her plan to keep the organization operational. The proposal was accepted, and Simmons immediately began fundraising.  

The Gene and Marlene Epstein Humanitarian Fund launched the “Building Peace: One Person, One School, One Community at a Time” campaign shortly after. The fund would match every donation made to the center for up to $10,000.  

“Government support for these programs has nearly disappeared. We have a responsibility to step in,” said Gene Epstein. “By supporting The Peace Center, we are not just funding programs, we are giving our children a future free from fear, bullying and hate.” 

The community was quick to offer its support, citing the need for the Peace Center’s programs. The center provides conflict resolution skills training to individuals of all ages, focusing on topics like domestic violence and bullying.  

The center hopes to improve existing programs, develop after-school programming and continue offering education credits. 

Read more about the support for the Bucks County Peace Center in Langhorne and how it got its start in the Bucks County Courier Times. 

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