Bucks County Peace Center Closing Due To Federal Funding Cuts

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — It's Peace Out for the Bucks County Peace Center.

Indivisible Bucks County said that the Bucks County Peace Center, a community non-profit providing non-violent solutions to bullying and domestic violence, is closing because of federal funding cuts.

The non-profit organization, based on West Maple Avenue in Langhorne, has operated for nearly 40 years, working for community peace and social justice since 1982.

Peace Center Executive Director Danny L. Thomas sent a letter on Aug. 14 to supporters, stating that while the center and its staff will continue to meet ongoing commitments, with a “gradual phase out” of its operations starting next month. He cited impending federal funding cuts for programs that "build peace," the Bucks County Courier Times reported.

“Although this is a tough decision, the current climate and funding cuts for school programming and other community and organizational programs that build peace make it difficult for (us) to maintain the space and support staff necessary for those in the field to function effectively or efficiently,” Thomas wrote in the letter, the newspaper said.

Indivisible Bucks County urged residents to fight for the organization's funding by calling U.S. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick at 215-579-8102.

The nonprofit was formed in 1982 when it was called the Bucks Alliance for Nuclear Disarmament at the Peace Center, using the acronym of "B.A.N.D," as organization members held weekly vigils, concerts, and community forums.

Members relocated from their headquarters in Newtown to Langhorne in 1988.

"Our programs are designed to reduce violence and conflict in our schools, homes, and communities through a multicultural, community-based approach. We are dedicated to building peace by understanding and managing conflict in our community, our nation, and our world," its website stated.

Click here to learn more about the Bucks County Peace Center

(Jeff Werner/Patch)