Peaceworks is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that partners with local Medina businesses to offer gainful employment for individuals with developmental disabilities. We focus on integrating individuals into their community by teaching valuable skill sets and providing opportunities for social interaction, all while empowering them to learn and grow.

Spokes Cafe

Partnering with Cool Beans Café and several community businesses, Spokes Café offers two locations for individuals to grow—Medina and Montville. Spokes is a full expresso bar with treats and baked goods for the whole family, even the dogs! Spokes Medina is located on Champion Creek Trail and Spokes Montville is located within Austin Badger Park. Employees receive training on cash registers, drink preparation, baking, tracking & inventory supply, bike rental and proper café upkeep. The community can enjoy live music nights, storytime, and can catch us at the local farmer’s markets, too! Individuals have the opportunity to expand their social skills and enjoy community involvement.

Planet Joy

One of the most unique features of Peaceworks is Planet Joy, an in- house art studio attached to Intervention for Peace. Modeled heavily after Passion Works in Athens, Ohio, Planet Joy seeks to spread art into our local community and beyond.

Planet Joy is a collaborative art studio that encourages adults with developmental differences to explore their imagination and creativity through the arts. Our desire is to share the beauty of our individuals with the world through their joyful art.

Planet Joy features art and expression of all kinds: painting, drawing, sewing, silk screening, art installation, etc. With the teachings and direction of other professional artists, Planet Joy artists improve their skills, knowledge and ability to express themselves with various mediums.

Sprouts of Peace

One of Peaceworks main goals is to help our employees stay community-minded: focus is placed on opportunities that help support the employees social role in their community as well as gain vocational skills. Sprouts of Peace is a vocational program centered around horticulture! This includes lawn care and maintenance of several properties throughout Medina City, Beekeeping and honey extracting, maintenance of flower and herb beds across all vocational sites, and lastly Sprouts of Peace community garden located in Bolivar Alley. The community garden includes eight 70’ L x 62’ w  raised beds surrounded by logs and Enclosed by wood and weld wire fence.  Each bed is divided into two plots totaling 16 plots for community members to use as they see fit! Individuals must apply for a 12’x9’ plot each year through Peaceworks website! The application is located under the Sprouts of Peace tab.

Sprouts of Peace keeps and maintains one plot within the community garden. The main bounty from the Sprouts of Peace plot will be shared with local food banks to nourish those who have need and sold within our cafes. Employees of Sprouts of Peace are paid to plant, water and harvest the crops. Fresh produce is often hard to come by in pantries—we hope to combat local food insecurity in Ward 1 by offering in-season vegetables and herbs.

Additionally it is our hopes to help strengthen the Ward 1 Community of Medina City.

• Director of Programming: Jacqueline Storey – JStorey@IFPeace.com
• Program Manager: Rachel Green – RGreen@IFPeace.com
• Planet Joy Studio Manager: Debbie ApplePresser