Peace Learning Center was surrounded by friends, family, and community members on Saturday, August 27th to commemorate 25 years since our founding. 

Support from the community resulted in more than $50,000 raised to support youth in Indianapolis.

The event was made possible by funding from:

  • Efroymson Family Fund
  • CNO Financial Group
  • Eskenazi Health
  • Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
  • Citizens Energy Group
  • Christian Theological Seminary
  • Indianapolis Airport Authority
  • Epsilon Xi
  • Glick Philanthropies
  • Pacers Sports & Entertainment 

Additional support for the event provided by:

  • Butler University
  • Subaru Automotive of Indiana
  • Earth Charter Indiana

Among those present for the celebration included Americorps alums who served at PLC. One Americorp alum, Dee Radford, recalled how the social and workforce skills she taught youth at PLC became applicable in her nonprofit work after Americorps.

“Thank you for the opportunity to allow me to express myself and bring other people into this realm of peacefulness,” Rad said.

Jessica Brand, board member, emphasized the importance of our mission and vision. Founder and CEO Tim Nation explained Peace Learning Center’s advocacy for restorative disciplinary actions in schools built on “love and respect” rather than “fear and intimidation.”

“What we’ve been trying to do is work directly with young people to teach them how to have healthy relationships. And how to deal with conflicts and differences,” Nation said. 

Deputy Mayor Judith Thomas presented the PLC team with a proclamation, on behalf of Mayor Joe Hogsett, declaring August 27th, 2022 as Peace Learning Center Day in the City of Indianapolis. 

Supporters are making an impact by funding:

  • Training for teachers in Peace Learning Circles, a proven social-emotional curriculum to decrease conflict in schools.
  • Equity training to decrease the impact of implicit bias on educational outcomes and to disrupt the schools to prison pipeline.
  • Support for families whose children are at risk of suspension and expulsion with self-directed services to help them thrive.

Mingling and reminiscing with upbeat tunes provided by DJ Endy. Guests enjoyed beverages (including Sip & Share wines and Sun King beers) as well as games like giant Jenga. The evening was complimented with delicious vegan dishes by Black Leaf (with many guests returning in line for second helpings!).

Inside the Peace Learning Center, staff conducted tours of the building and shared its rich history as the former Eagle Crest Estate of J.K. Lilly II, brother of Eli Lilly.

Guests entered and departed the grounds from our shuttle bus service, which was an in-kind donation from Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.

Peace Learning Center is grateful for the peace and justice advocates who made a commitment of time, talent, or treasure to enable our work. We are privileged to be part of this community committed to building a healed world where strong and caring communities strive together to live fully in peace.

View our Facebook album to see more photos and videos from the event.