The UmojaFest P.E.A.C.E. Center celebrates one year of existence and invites you to join us in making a difference by supporting our Holiday Trees for P.E.A.C.E. Fundraiser.
In the fall of 2008, in the face of a growing youth violence crisis, school closures that disproportionately disenfranchised African-American children, cutbacks in human services due to a bad economy and solutions scarce, representatives of several community based organizations answered President Barack Obama’s call to serve by coming together to transform two former crack houses into the UmojaFest P.E.A.C.E Center, a vibrant community based, youth focused cultural center in the heart of Seattle’s Central District.
The UmojaFest P.E.A.C.E. Center focuses on replacing negative culture with positive culture. The facility includes the audio recording and video production studios, library & reading room, Organic P.E.A.C.E. Garden, office space for community organizations an outdoor stage and more.
Over the past year, the center has hosted numerous community building events at the site and in the community, launched a Women’s Empowerment Initiative, Green Light Initiative for Eco Equity & Environmental stewardship and several youth development programs including the Young Kings & Queens and the Hip-Hop Communiversity Summer Academy providing over 50 youth summer employment and enrichment opportunities.
Additionally, through our Homeless Veterans Street Outreach Support Services the Umojafest Peace Center provided 1300 bed nights, 1500 meals, and referred numerous individuals to drug rehabilitation in the past year.
The end result of the past year’s efforts was the elimination of the negative hostile environment around the post office. The safe quiet environment created by the efforts of the UmojaFest Peace Center has been a welcome change to all post office employees and neighbors.
Building on the outstanding success of last year’s Holiday Trees for P.E.A.C.E. fundraiser, we have brought it back for the 2009 holiday season! With the holiday’s fast approaching, we know that many of us will be buying a tree.
If you or someone you know plans to purchase a live Christmas tree this year, what better way to encourage the "Yes We Can!" spirit, than to buy your tree in support of enterprising and hopeful young people?
We have a goal of raising $15,000 by the end of the year. Our specific needs include a furnace with installation and ductwork (winter’s here!), studio renovation completion, computers for our lab as well as general operating expenses to continue doing the work that we are doing.
We can reach our goal with your support. Trees are priced to fit YOUR budget, you can even name your own price!
Place your order today! Better still, tell all your family, friends, church and other groups about this opportunity to continue being part of the change and let us know HOW MANY TREES should be set aside.
To place your order today, please call 206.329.1591 or 877.505.6306.
Trees are available for pick up daily 9am to 9pm at the UmojaFest P.E.A.C.E. Center 2314 E. Spring Street (24th & Spring St.)
