About Us

The Children’s Motto: I am a Peacemaker. I am loving, kind and gentle. I am patient, faithful and joyful. I am generous and full of self-control.  ​

Who We Are

Noel Schwartz (pictured below, back row far left) is the program coordinator and developer of Creative Peacemakers. 

​Noel has a B.A. in Psychology from Rhodes College and an M.Ed. in Special Education from the University of Memphis.  Volunteers from various communities are mentors in the program. We have partnered with the Soul and Soil Project to provide community building and gardens in the Deaverview Apartment Community.

St. George's Episcopal Church and its Center for Art and Spirit initially provided a universal sacred space for nurturing body, mind and heart in West Asheville. The program had the opportunity to move and is now located at the Deaverview Apartments in West Asheville in order to be closer to the children.

Our History

Peacemakers was born in Memphis TN and enjoyed five years at Caritas Village under the direction of Noel Schwartz.  The curriculum was developed around the inspired works of Kelly Guinan, founder of the Young Peacemakers Clubs and author of, Peace Quest and Go with Peace, and other resources which we continuously expand.  The group grew from fewer than 10 up to 27 children of diverse backgrounds.  One of our themes was "I Can Make a Difference" using a book of the same title edited by Marian Wright Edelman, of the Children's Defense Fund.

When Noel retired to Asheville in 2012, her passion for Peacemakers came with her.  We have renamed the program Creative Peacemakers to accent the expanded use of the arts in the curriculum as is appropriate to the Asheville environment.  The approach will remain the same: to develop healthy relationships that foster love and respect; for all people; to be flexible enough to meet the specific needs of children while maintaining balance, structure and inclusivity; to communicate using positive, encouraging, compassionate language; to be consistent, dependable and safe.