Bucks County Peace Center To Remain Open

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — After announcing it would be closing due to federal budget cuts, the Bucks County Peace Center has reversed course.

In an email obtained by Patch, officials said the Langhorne-based Peace Center "will continue operations, rescinding earlier plans to close."

Officials said that new leadership will enable this 42-year-old community peace and justice organization to offer its celebrated slate of in-school violence prevention and conflict resolution programs, and community response efforts from its historic location in Langhorne Borough.

Indivisible Bucks County had said last month that the peace center was closing because of federal funding cuts. The non-profit organization on West Maple Avenue had served the community 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 new leadership thanked Thomas for navigating the peace center through the turmoil after the murder of George Floyd and the COVID pandemic.

"Under his leadership, we were able to pivot as needed in order to be relevant and present as he navigated uncertainty. Thomas will be missed as he pursues endeavors of his own," officials said.

The new executive director will be a familiar face.

Barbara Simmons, who previously served as executive director until her retirement five years ago, will step back into the role, effective Oct. 1.

Officials said that Simmons will help develop new opportunities and partnerships while maintaining many of our longstanding relationships.

"We are facing such division in our communities throughout the nation. The Peace Center has played a vital role in teaching peacebuilding skills to children, parents, community, and business leaders, and closing down this important work, which is needed now more than ever, had many of us feeling despair. My heart has always been with The Peace Center and all the people who helped bring amazing, successful programs into the schools and in our communities," Simmons said.

Simmons will be supported by a new incoming Board of Directors led by Barry Truchil. Truchil has a long history with The Peace Center as a former board President and current member of the organization.

In another development, The Gene and Marlene Epstein Humanitarian Fund responded to the timing of the announcement of The Peace Center closing six weeks ago by offering a challenge to the community in support of its reboot: to match every donation to The Peace Center up to a total of $10,000.

"The Peace Center has been serving our community for four decades, quietly reducing violence, teaching conflict resolution, and giving children the tools to feel safe. But today, they face unprecedented headwinds as government support for these programs has nearly disappeared. We all have a responsibility to step in. By supporting the Peace Center, we are not just funding programs — we are giving our children a future free from fear, bullying, and hate. Join me in ensuring that their work continues to touch lives for generations to come," Epstein said.

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.