Our Work
Peace House Kalamazoo is dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing after school and summer program for neighborhood kids. Our goal is to create a supportive environment where children can learn, grow, play, and develop skills that will help them succeed in the future. Through our programs, we try to cultivate a sense of community and belonging.
Peace House After-school Program
It's the school year and we have moved into our after-school program! We are open three days a week: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, from 4 - 5:30 pm.
Kids can bring homework and we will help them get it completed. They can also read for 20 minutes. Whenever they do 20 minutes or more of reading or homework they earn a prize!
We also have an expansive outdoor space where kids can run around and play, and a big back deck where we play games and do arts and crafts on the warmer days. Favorite activities include playing tag, kicking the soccer ball, playing basketball, swinging on the swings, playing board games, coloring and drawing.
In the winter months we continue to play outside. Please have kids wear warm weather gear, or they can borrow it from us for the day. We love playing in the snow and sledding down our gentle slope in the backyard.
Come and join the fun! We are open to all ages but preschool-age kids need to come with a parent or guardian the first time to see if it will work for them.
Summer Fun
This past summer we had a blast! Here are some highlights:
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We were joined by two amazing summer interns from Kalamazoo College: Samantha Rodriguez and Gerardo Herrera-Sanchez
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We had a great partnership with the Kalamazoo Nature Center, including field trips to visit their animals and play in a beautiful outdoor space
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Another partnership that continued was with Open Roads bike program to fix bikes and get more bikes to kids in the neighborhood
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We took two trips to Kik Pool -- fun for the whole family!
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We hosted a fabulous kick-off party with prizes for the adults and fun for the kids
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We hosted a "moms only" evening to make a scented sugar scrub
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We did cooking projects with Laurel. We made pickles, corn chowder and more!
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Other activities included basketball, art projects, science experiments, reading, math games, capture the flag, flower arranging, spa day, legos, relay races, beading, and so much more.
Registration information
To register your child for the Peace House after-school program, text 269-350-3812 and share your name (parent/guardian). We'll send you a registration link!
Testimonials
"I like everything -- the swings, crafting, scooters, coloring and the snack. I also like helping the workers."
Rocio, age 9
"Peace House rules. I like reading for prizes. I like to play with my friends. I like eating free food and running around."
Tristan, age 10
Contact Us
To learn more about our after school and summer programs, or if you are interested in volunteering or helping out in any way, please reach out to us! We welcome collaborations and opportunities to further our work of supporting kids and families in the Eastside neighborhood.