A Bridge to Peace is named by and for young people. This vital new program provides youth-centered activities, programs and an open and welcoming space to encourage positive youth engagement, socialization and restorative practices.

The Center for Youth identified a gap in community programming centered on youth leadership and youth decision making.  In the new site, located in the the former YMCA Monroe Avenue Branch, we have the opportunity to embrace the youth voice that was the key to our agency’s first group of youth 50 years ago. And as we move into our 50th year, we remain committed to the original goals of the youth who started this agency. A Bridge to Peace will be a safe place for young people who are disconnected from services and supports. It is our goal to offer innovative programming focusing on peace and justice, restorative practices and opportunities for engagement.

Offering unique opportunities including a Place of Peace, meditation and quiet space, a large workforce and employment outreach and restorative work will result in greater participation and the identification of youth that we are not serving at this time.

Youth engaged in A Bridge to Peace benefit in a programmatic intersection, gaining access to supplemental resources at The Center like Learn to Earn – a workforce development initiative that provides job training, employment navigation and workforce readiness.