Barbara Simmons began volunteering at The Peace Center in Bucks County in 1987, wanting to help make the world a less dangerous place for her children to grow up in, writes Ann Rejrat for Spotlight PA.
Little did she know, this decision would lead to almost 40 years of activism.
“You realize it’s not just your kids that matter but it’s all kids that matter,” said Simmons.
Simmons has spent over 30 years as the executive director of the center, working as an educator, facilitator, and mediator.
She’s taught about bullying in the workplace, led listening circles, and been involved in similar programs that teach conflict resolution.
The Peace Center was opened in 1982 with the goal of reducing violence via mediation and conflict resolution.
Simmons worked with retired educators who sought to teach children peacemaking skills and studied under Sandra Bloom, a psychologist who specializes in how trauma affects the brain.
Simmons discussed how her mission in life is to make peace.
“We’re really, truly connected to one another, but we’ve lost sight of that. So that’s really my life’s purpose,” she said.
She has already witnessed the impact of her work among students who have put her lessons to use and seen their positive effects.
Read more about Barbara Simmons and her time working with The Peace Center in Bucks County in Spotlight PA.
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