Our History

1992-2012

Peace of the City began in 1992 with one after-school program called “Homework Club”. Over the years, four priorities – Literacy, the Arts, Advocacy and Transformation have gradually emerged and now drive POTC’s vision and ministry forward.

1992

Homework Club begins in an unused Episcopal fellowship hall at Vermont and Prospect.

1993

In response to the great needs of older kids in the neighborhood, we begin Teen Club and Teen Employment programs. Word spreads and a waiting list is begun for some programs.

1996

We formally become “Peace of the City” and obtain the 501(c)3 designation. Near the end of our time at Barton Street, POTC increasingly comes to terms with the fact that offering quality programs is not enough; the root causes of generational poverty must be addressed. We add programs and staff aimed at not only loving and serving young people but empowering them with the skills and mindset needed to break the cycle of poverty. This recalibration of our vision changes everything.

Fast forward to 2018…..moving full steam into School 77 with PUSH Buffalo and Ujima Theater with the Peace Impact leading the way.