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Operation P.E.A.C.E. is a non-profit organization currently based in the cities of Atlanta, GA and Boston, MA. Our motto is Partnerships in Education And Community Enrichment. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for residents living in the Fenway area of Boston.

Description:
Operation P.E.A.C.E. provides social services, educational programs and skill development to Fenway residents. These programs are intended to foster self-sufficiency and encourage the residents, both young and old, to further their education, pursue employment and strive to reach their highest potential. Operation P.E.A.C.E. works to bridge the gap in the digital divide and break the cycle of welfare and affordable housing that is perpetuated from generation to generation.

Operation P.E.A.C.E. in Boston currently offers basic computer training classes and open access time on the computers for the adult residents in the Computer Learning Center located at 78 Peterborough Street.

For the younger residents, Operation P.E.A.C.E. offers an After-School Youth Mentoring program in the Youth Center located at 42 Peterborough Street. This program provides the children with; an afternoon snack, assistance with their homework, access to computers and the Internet, supplies for arts and crafts, games and outdoor playtime and positive peer interaction.

All of these programs are free of charge.

History:
Operation P.E.A.C.E. was founded in 1995 in Atlanta, GA at the Village of Bedford Pine. Twenty-five concerned college students, residing in the neighborhood, came together to save the children in the Village of Bedford Pine from the crime and drugs that plagued their community. With the generous financial support of Wingate Management Company, volunteers from the Wingate staff and two donated computers, an old laundry room in the housing development was converted into a computer learning center. The day the center opened 35 children attended and within two week, 50 children were participating in the programs. At present, the summer program has over 100 children.

Operation P.E.A.C.E. joined the Neighborhood Network Initiative in 1996, after Assistant Secretary for the office of Housing and Urban Development, Nicholas Restinas, visited the Computer Learning Center in Atlanta.

The Founders of Operation P.E.A.C.E. - Atlanta envisioned a program that would give children examples of positive adult images as well as educational support. From this vision, Operation P.E.A.C.E. implemented a Teen Mentoring Program, a Summer Academy, an After-School Tutorial program, and a truancy program.

Moreover, Operation P.E.A.C.E.- Atlanta envision a multifaceted community education center that would empower the families of the Bedford Pine community. Operation P.E.A.C.E.-Atlanta established a Computer Competency program, a Senior Activity program, GED classes and Welfare to Work programs. These programs develop literacy, vocational, and technical skills, nurture entrepreneurial and leadership skills, and reach out to the local seniors, encouraging them to remain a vital part of the community.

Wingate Management Company was so pleased with the success of Operation P.E.A.C.E. in Atlanta, that they wanted to spread its vision to their other housing facilities. With the company's generous financial support, on January 23, 2001, Operation P.E.A.C.E. opened on Peterborough Street for the residents of the Fenway community.

Operation PEACE thrives today because of generous donations from Gerald and Elaine Schuster, Wingate Management Company, as well as donations from the Law Firm of Holland & Knight,The Mission Hill Fenway Trust and anonymous donors.

Contact people:

David Zermeno, Executive Director, (phone), (email) Yan Yan Yii, Youth Coordinator, (phone), (email)

Address:

78 Peterborough Street, #11 Boston, MA 02215 (See a map)

Directions:

Operation P.E.A.C.E. - Boston is located at 78 Peterborough Street, #11 in the Fenway neighborhood. Peterborough Street runs parallel to Boylston Street and is a short walk from Fenway Park and the Kenmore and Fenway (D-Line) T Stations.   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: The "D" train's Fenway stop along the Green Line.rain),   Walk distance (in minutes): 5 minutes For maps or information, please see http://www.mbta.com