Programs

Circles/Bridges Out of Poverty
Poverty is more than a lack of money; it is a lack of resources in several areas, including emotional, mental, spiritual, physical, support systems, relationships and role models, and knowledge of the hidden rules of the community. Peace Connections is working to coordinate information about an effective way to bridge gaps in awareness between people of different socioeconomic circumstances. Developed by Dr. Ruby K. Payne, Bridges Out of Poverty provides information, case studies, exercises and discussion topics. While most people do not consider themselves "rich"or "poor,"  there are distinct behavioral differences and that those behaviors are logical and necessary for survival. By understanding the drive to survive, seemingly irrational behaviors can be addressed. Cycles of poverty can be broken when barriers to learrning are identified. For more information about Bridges  (available at Peace Connections), see www.ahaprocess.com.  Recently a new initiative called Circles has been introduced to the Newton area.  Plans are in the works to initiate this program in the community.  See www.movethemountain.org for more information regarding Circles.The community Circles/Bridges Out of Poverty group meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at noon at Peace Connections.  Open to all.  Peace Connections also coordinates community Getting Ahead classes, designed for those in poverty who want to improve their situation.

Kids Summer Food Program

This will be the third year for the community program that serves free breakfasts and lunches to all Newton children ages 2-18 during the summer.  Due to our Bridges Out of Poverty initiative, questions arose regarding the high percentage (47%) of children in Newton schools receiving free and reduced lunches.  What happens for these children and families during the summer months?  Peace Connections working with a variety of commmunity agencies and individuals, including USD 373, USDA, Harvey County Health Dept., SRS, Mid-Cap,and more, coordinates the program.  The program has grown and now includes an activity program, busing, and several paid staff positions.  Over 9,000 meals were served in 2007!  We are grateful to our many volunteers and donors that helped this program happen.  For information on the 2008 program please contact us!

Asset Building Coalition
The concept of "developmental assets" grew out of research conducted by Search Institute (Minneapolis, MN) on youth across the United States. Search Institute identified 40 assets that young people need to grow up healthy, principled and caring. The assets powerfully protect them from a wide range of risky behaviors, including premature sexual activity, anti-social behavior, violence, and alcohol and other drug use. Developmental assets are divided into two broad categories: external and internal.

• External assets come from families, other people and institutions to give children the support, empowerment, boundaries and expectations, and constructive use of time they need to thrive.
• Internal assets are commitments, attitudes, values and skills that support our youth from within.

The Giving Garden
Peace Connections, partnering with Harvey County Horticulture Agent Scott Eckert, Master Gardeners, and the City of Newton, have created a community garden at 6th and Pine Sts. The garden is affiliated with the U.S.-wide organization Plant A Row For The Hungry. All produce from the Newton Giving Garden is donated to those who do not have access to fresh produce.

The National War Tax Coordinating Committee (NWTRCC) and its adherents act on ethical convictions against war-making without waiting for governments to provide alternative options. Resisters believe that their redirection of taxes breaks the unanimity for war. For more information, see www.nwtrcc.org

Services
The Breathing Room
Anyone is welcome to sit quietly in the tranquil atmosphere of our Breathing Room. It's a great place for a break in a harried day.

Card Making Station
Make invitations, sympathy cards, thank you notes, place cards, bookmarks--almost anything you can dream up--using our varied collection of stamps, papers, and inks. A donation of 50 cents per card is requested.

Kitchen and Community Room
When not being used for Peace Connections events, our kitchen and community room may be reserved for groups up to 50 people. Call 316-284-0000 for more information. NEW: As of March 2004, Peace Connections has a bakery license allowing us to sell baked goods.

Classes Available
Peace Connections offers several classes that can be scheduled for your convenience.

At Peace Connections, Learn Ways to Practice Peace in Daily Life

Classes listed below can be scheduled for your convenience, subject to availability of the teacher.

• For a group, simply call or email Peace Connections with your request.
• To indicate your individual interest, let us know which times are most convenient for you. If enough people are interested, we will call you to schedule the class. (Minimum: five people.)

Cost: A donation of $3-5/person is suggested. A separate materials fee may also be charged.

Creating More Peace In Your Life
Learn about Peace Connections and explore ways to practice peace daily. Age-appropriate activities are included.
Recommended Ages: Preschool through adult
Class Length: 30-90 minutes, depending on the age group
Class Size: Up to 40 people

Creating Prayer Beads
Make prayer beads from clay and other materials, then decorate and arrange them to inspire your personal spiritual practice.
Recommended Ages: 10 and up
Class Length: Two 2-hour sessions
Class Size: Up to 10 people

Using Your Breath For Stress Relief
Learn simple breathing techniques to release stress and renew your energy. Class includes gentle neck and shoulder stretches; wear comfortable clothes.
Recommended Ages: 10 and up. (A special class for younger children can also be designed.)
Class Length: 1 hour
Class Size: Up to 20 people

Living Consciously With Your Stuff
Do you have low energy? Can't get things done you want to do? It might not be you—it could be your material goods (or the goods of someone you live with)! This class offers tips on how to identify and tackle your Stuff issues. Getting rid of it isn't always the answer.
Recommended Ages: 12 and up
Class Length: 1 1/2 hours
Class Size: Up to 40 people

Journaling Workshop
Journaling is one of the best ways to stay in touch with what is going on at the present moment. Through short exercises, learn to break through writing blocks and uncover wisdom and self-knowledge that you may not have accessed before.
Recommended Ages: 14 and up. (Special classes can be designed for different age groups.)
Class Length: Four 1-hour sessions
Class Size: Up to 10 people

Painting From Within
In a quiet and relaxed atmosphere, one can become aware of feelings, dreams, images, negative or positive, which can be expressed in painting rather than being acted out without consideration.
Recommended Ages: 12 and up
Class Length: 2 hours
Class Size: Up to 10 people

Foot Fun
Learn how to use foot massage to enhance feelings of connection and health. During the class, participants will create their own pair of "reflexology socks” that show pressure points that affect different parts of the body. (Bring a pair of white socks to color.)
Recommended Ages: 10 and up
Class Length: 1 1/2 hours
Class Size: Up to 20 people

Bread Baking
Some call it "cheap therapy"; we believe bread baking offers the sight, smell, touch and taste of peace (maybe even the sound, when the timer dings!) Learn the basics or learn how to create your own recipes.
Recommended Ages: 12 and up
Class Length: 1 1/2 hours
Class Size: Up to 15 people

Why You Should Never Say Diet
Learn to identify and overcome obstacles to healthy eating.
Recommended Ages: 12 and up
Class Length: 1 hour
Class Size: Up to 40 people

Why Go Organic?
Organic foods don't have to be expensive luxuries. Learn about the differences between organic and non-organic foods and choose what's right for you.
Recommended Ages: 10 and up
Class Length: 1 hour
Class Size: Up to 40 people

Beyond the Big Mac: Tasty, Healthful Meals From Ordinary Ingredients
Learn how to create quick, tasty home-cooked meals from ingredients brought in by class participants.
Recommended Ages: 12 and up
Class Length: 2 hours
Class Size: Up to 15 people

Microwave Mastery
Microwave cooking is healthy, time-saving and energy-efficient. Learn to adapt recipes designed for conventional ovens. Go beyond popcorn, frozen meals and melting butter.
Recommended Ages: 7 and up. (Special classes can be designed for different age groups.)
Class Length: 2 hours
Class Size: Up to 15 people

Herbal Soap Crafting
Learn to make soaps that are tailored to suit your own health and beauty concerns.
Recommended Ages: 12 and up
Class Length: 2 hours
Class Size: Up to 15 people

Decorative Papers with Stamps
Make gift tags, place cards, book marks and greeting cards with papers, inks and stamps (provided, or include your own).
Recommended Ages: 8 and up. (Special classes can be designed for different age groups.)
Class Length: 1 1/2 hours
Class Size: Up to 15 people

Videos to View
The following videotapes are available for viewing at Peace Connections, rental, or purchase:

How Do I Go On? -- Redesigning Your Future After Crisis Has Changed Your Life. Learn a five-stage process: feel, explore options, let go, embrace, then live as fully as possible with the resources available. 21 min.

The Grit and Grace of Being a Caregiver. Drawn from Jim Miller's experiences as his wife recovered from cancer. Uses nature photography to illustrate seven paradoxical principles of healthy caregiving, like " To be close you must establish boundaries." Can be shown as a whole or in sections. 36 min.

The Art of Listening in a Healing Way. Describes what healing listening is and how it differs from other kinds of listening. Can be shown as a whole or in sections. 37 min.

The Natural Way of Prayer -- Being Free to Express What You Feel Deep Within. Twelve brief, practical directions about how to pray, each a meditation within itself. For beginners as well as those who want to deepen their practice. For people of all faiths. 30 min.

To purchase a video, the cost is $39.95 for individual use, or $59.95 if the videotape will be shown to groups. (This is the policy of the producer.)