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Peacemaker Center Sets Open House At New Location calendar

BY FRANCINE FULTON

The Peacemaker Center, a nonprofit organization that offers faith-based counseling services, will hold a grand opening celebration at its new location, 368 W. Uwchlan Ave. (Route 113), Downingtown, on Saturday, March 5, from 2 to 4 p.m. There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

The Peacemaker Center relocated from 103 Garris Road, Downingtown, to the much larger facility, which was the former home of the Brandywine Consignment Shop. The center opened its doors to clients at the new location on Feb. 7.

“Because of our growth, we were looking for space. We’ve been out of room for a couple of years,” said Judy Reid, executive director. “(By acquiring the building), we tripled our space.”

The building had to undergo a major renovation in order to transform a retail space into a counseling center. “We went from six therapy rooms to 16 rooms,” Reid said. Each therapy room includes comfortable sofas and chairs and a variety of paintings and other artwork. Also added was a large family room for children’s therapy services. “We wanted to avoid that clinical (feel),” said Reid. “You don’t want it to feel sterile. We wanted it to be hospitable.”

The Peacemaker Center, founded in 2000, has grown from one therapist working from a home office to a staff of more than 25 clinicians working from seven office locations in Downingtown, Kennett

Staff members at the Peacemaker Center include (from left) Scott Edwards, Patsy Green, Karen Uhler, Judy Reid and Dan Rodgers.

Square, West Chester, Audubon, Fort Washington, King of Prussia and Douglassville. Telehealth visits are also available.

In addition to Reid and general office manager Patsy Green, who has been working at the center for 22 years, staff members include Scott Edwards, director of operations, who has been working at the center for 16 years, and counselors Karen Uhler, 20 years, and Dan Rodgers, 15 years.

Reid pointed out that the pandemic has changed the need for therapy across the country. “In this past year, (the Peacemaker Center) grew 50%,” she said. “Because of COVID, (more people suffer from) anxiety and depression. Kids are struggling with school. Marriages are struggling. Everyone being home made problems more obvious.”

The Peacemaker Center serves individuals, couples, families and groups addressing a variety of issues, including abuse, addictions, anger, depression, domestic violence, eating disorders, grief and suicide.

“Our mission is to help people find peace with God, themselves and others. We do this regardless of the ability to pay for services,” said Reid, noting that clients pay on a sliding scale. “(2021) was a monumental year for us. We gave away - through reduced fees and scholarships - almost $1 million in services to the community.”

For more information about the Peacemaker Center or to schedule an appointment, call 610-2692661 or visit www.thepeacemaker center.org or www.facebook.com/ thepeacemakercenter.

March 2. Free Chant, Meditation and Shivaratri Celebration Downingtown Yoga & Meditation Center 116 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown, 7:30 p.m. Celebrate the night of Shiva, the holiest night of the year in the yoga calendar. Visit www.downingtownyoga.org or call 610-644-7555 to register. March 3. The Holocaust Remembered: A Discussion on the Work of Elie Wiesel Virtual program by the Chester County Library System, 7 p.m. The event will feature a book discussion of Wiesel’s book “Night” and his speech, “The Perils of Indifference,” recorded at the White House in 1999. Registration is required at https://ccls.libcal.com/event/8803861. March 3. Bird Walk Exton Park 800 Swedesford Road, Exton, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Sponsored by the West Chester Bird Club. Held every Thursday morning. www.westchesterbirdclub.org March 4, 11, 18 and 25. Story Time Coatesville Public Library 501 E. Lincoln Highway, Coatesville, 10:30 a.m. Featuring stories and activities for young readers. www.coatesvilleareapubliclibrary.org March 4 through March 19. “Love Letters” Barley Sheaf Players 810 N. Whitford Road, Lionville. Visit www.barley sheaf.org for show dates and times. March. 8. Newcomers Club General Meeting Interested women are invited to learn about the organization and take part in a Zumba demonstration. Visit https://newcomerscenchesco.org/ home for time and meeting location. March 8. Free Meditation Home Practice Downingtown Yoga & Meditation Center 116 E. Lancaster Ave., 5:45 p.m. Learn how meditation can bring inner clarity, creativity, peace, healing and happiness. Visit www.downingtown yoga.org or call 610-644-7555 to register. March 9. A Virtual Novel Tea Event with Author Erik Larson Sponsored by Coatesville Area Library, 7 p.m. Larson will discuss his newest book, “The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family and Defiance During the Blitz.” Purchase tickets at https://bit.ly/LarsonLibrary. March 9. Virtual: Medicare 101 Sponsored by Downingtown Library, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Will include an overview of Medicare and a question-and-answer session. Event URL will be sent via registration email. Register at https:// ccls.libcal.com/event/8639743. March 12. The Importance of Active Aging Coatesville Public Library, 2 p.m. The program is designed for seniors, who will learn about the benefits of staying active as they age. March 14. Monthly Book Club Coatesville Public Library, noon. The topic: “The Sweetness of Water” by Nathan Harris. New participants are welcome. March 26. Author Talk with Bruce Mowday Coatesville Public Library, 1 p.m. Mowday will lead a Train your brain, have fun discussion on his latest with the Art of Piano Playing book, “Lafayette at Bran* Experienced, patient teacher dywine: The Making of an American Hero.” * Remote lessons available Submit your meeting or event information for the Community Calendar to R080242 ffulton@engleonline.com. For more information, call 800-800-1833, ext. 6018.

* All levels accepted * Juilliard School