OUR HISTORY

The Newton Area Peace Center began in 1983 in a small office just above Druber’s Donut Shop. Here several community members met to discuss ways in which to cultivate peace in their community. During the early years, we focused heavily on local peace and social justice issues. We aided in organizing recycling programs, peace vigils in response to the Gulf War, and a racism task force for the Newton area. In 1995, several members of the organization helped gather needed supplies and drive them along with a caravan down to El Salvador. 

In 2001, we moved to Main Street and officially changed our name to Peace Connections. The Main Street location served as both a gift shop and a space where various meetings and activities took place. It was at this location that plans were made to help start the Giving Garden, which produced nearly 3,000 pounds of vegetables in 2007. Here, we raised awareness of the Season for Nonviolence by passing out posters and brochures with information on the grassroots movement. It was around this time in 2006, while working with the Summer Food Task Force, that Newton's first Summer Food Program was started. 

In 2018, Peace Connections moved to its current location in the Red Door Building, sharing office space with fellow non-profits and working together to create lasting change.  Throughout our history, we have tailored our services to meet the needs of those we serve.  Peace Connections seeks to address the issues of poverty and inequality to promote peace within ourselves, our homes, our neighborhoods, and our community.