Danny Thomas, the executive director of The Peace Center, came before the Bucks County Commissioners on Wednesday and highlighted the organization’s mission to tackle the crisis in children’s mental health.
The Langhorne Borough-based organization, which has received decades-long support from the county, offers various programs aimed at bullying prevention, diversity appreciation, and social-emotional wellness.
“Since 2019, depression and anxiety symptoms have doubled in our children and adolescents. Suicide attempts among teenage girls are up by 50 percent and 4 percent for boys,” Thomas said, citing recent statistics.
The Peace Center, he said, offers a range of programs designed to support students from elementary through high school. These include STAR, a bullying prevention program for second through fourth graders, and Celebrating Me, Celebrating You, which teaches fourth and fifth-grade students to celebrate diversity and challenge stereotypes.
For older students, the organization provides Boy Meets Self, Girls Unlimited, and Thrive, which focus on developing empathy, self-esteem, and life skills.
Thomas explained the importance of these programs in creating a safe and equitable community.
“At the Peace Center, we aim to create a safe space for children and adults of all ages to learn about self-respect and respecting others,” he said.
The Peace Center’s presentation comes at a time when children’s mental health is increasingly recognized as a major problem in the county. The American Academy of Pediatrics has declared it an emergency, according to the information presented.
Commissioner Chairperson Bob Harvie, a Democrat, acknowledged the important nature of The Peace Center’s work and referenced a recent suicide of a child in the county.
“The work is necessary. We wish it weren’t, but it is,” Harvie said.
Commissioner Diane Ellis-Marseglia, a Democrat, noted the long-standing relationship between the county and the organization. She added that the nonprofit has received support from county administrations with Democratic and Republican majorities.
Bucks County Sheriff Fred Harran, a Republican, noted the programs The Peace Center holds and recalled the important work they did in settling neighbor disputes when he was a police officer in Bensalem Township.
Harvie reminded attendees of the national suicide prevention hotline.
“9-8-8 is a number you can call suicide hotline that’s available for people,” Harvie said. “So we try to do as much as we can to make that known and publicize that and offer whatever help we can.”
Connie Keener, a board member of The Peace Center, thanked the commissioners for the years of support.
“I have seen some incredible changes in children and things that I never would have thought as possible or were possible,” Keener said. “So thank you for your support.”
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