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Circles of Peace describes restorative youth and community programs serving about 1,900 people annually
Summary
Circles of Peace told the Nogales Housing Authority board its Center for Restorative Youth and Community Programs serves roughly 1,900 people annually across youth, adult and senior programming; presenters outlined partnerships, evaluation methods and plans to expand distribution of basic supplies.
Circles of Peace staff told the Nogales Housing Authority Board of Commissioners on July 2 that their Center for Restorative Youth and Community Programs operates as a community hub on Western Avenue and serves about 1,900 people a year through youth, adult and senior programs.
“At the heart of everything we do is a simple belief that healing happens in community,” Eva, a Circles of Peace team member, said during the presentation. The organization described programs that include after-school and summer youth activities, weekly support groups for women and a newly launched men’s support group, twice-weekly senior wellness gatherings and monthly community events in the park outside the center.
Why it matters: Circles of Peace is a local nonprofit partner that connects residents to mental-health services, housing referrals and workforce development programs; board members asked about partnerships and veteran outreach because the center operates as an access point for services affecting housing authority residents.
Scope, data and partnerships: Presenters said the center invests more than $90,000 annually in programming supplies, part-time staff and contracted support. Jessica, another team member, presented participant counts from December to May: 656 youth, 849 adults and 732 seniors. The center also uses a brief resiliency scale (BRS) to measure participant outcomes and collects non-identifiable data to follow needs and outcomes over time.
Circles of Peace outlined partnerships that provide programming and referrals, including Arizona@Work (workforce development), Mariposa youth programs, San Cruz County agencies and the University of Arizona mobile health unit for periodic health fairs. Staff said they are exploring becoming a distribution hub for medical supplies, diapers and formula in collaboration with partners to reach residents who face transportation barriers.
Board discussion and outreach: Commissioners praised the center’s impact and asked whether outreach includes veterans and people experiencing homelessness. Presenters said outreach focuses on housing developments and apartments and that they welcome partnerships to reach new sectors such as veterans; they also confirmed senior-specific wellness programming and offered to coordinate referrals.
Ending: Commissioners thanked Circles of Peace for the center’s services and collaborations; presenters invited board members to visit the center and review written materials circulated during the meeting.
