The Peacemaker Center, a nonprofit organization that offers faith-based counseling services, will hold a grand opening celebration at its new location, 368 W. Uwchlan Ave. (Route 113), Downingtown, on Saturday, March 5, from 2 to 4 p.m. There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

The Peacemaker Center relocated from 103 Garris Road, Downingtown, to the much larger facility, which was the former home of the Brandywine Consignment Shop. The center opened its doors to clients at the new location on Feb. 7.

"Because of our growth, we were looking for space. We've been out of room for a couple of years," said Judy Reid, executive director. "(By acquiring the building), we tripled our space."

The building had to undergo a major renovation in order to transform a retail space into a counseling center. "We went from six therapy rooms to 16 rooms," Reid said. Each therapy room includes comfortable sofas and chairs and a variety of paintings and other artwork. Also added was a large family room for children's therapy services. "We wanted to avoid that clinical (feel)," said Reid. "You don't want it to feel sterile. We wanted it to be hospitable."

The Peacemaker Center, founded in 2000, has grown from one therapist working from a home office to a staff of more than 25 clinicians working from seven office locations in Downingtown, Kennett Square, West Chester, Audubon, Fort Washington, King of Prussia and Douglassville. Telehealth visits are also available.

In addition to Reid and general office manager Patsy Green, who has been working at the center for 22 years, staff members include Scott Edwards, director of operations, who has been working at the center for 16 years, and counselors Karen Uhler, 20 years, and Dan Rodgers, 15 years.

Reid pointed out that the pandemic has changed the need for therapy across the country. "In this past year, (the Peacemaker Center) grew 50%," she said. "Because of COVID, (more people suffer from) anxiety and depression. Kids are struggling with school. Marriages are struggling. Everyone being home made problems more obvious."

The Peacemaker Center serves individuals, couples, families and groups addressing a variety of issues, including abuse, addictions, anger, depression, domestic violence, eating disorders, grief and suicide.

"Our mission is to help people find peace with God, themselves and others. We do this regardless of the ability to pay for services," said Reid, noting that clients pay on a sliding scale. "(2021) was a monumental year for us. We gave away - through reduced fees and scholarships - almost $1 million in services to the community."

For more information about the Peacemaker Center or to schedule an appointment, call 610-269-2661 or visit http://www.thepeacemakercenter.org or http://www.facebook.com/thepeacemakercenter.