Story by Ann Rejrat for Spotlight PA

PA Local Heroes is a monthly feature sponsored by Ballard Spahr . Installments appear first in PA Local, Spotlight PA’s weekly newsletter that takes a fresh, positive look at the incredible people, beautiful places, and delicious food of Pennsylvania. Sign up for free here .

When Barbara Simmons was younger, she worried her children would inherit a dangerous world. To help prevent that, she began volunteering at the Peace Center in Bucks County in 1987 — a decision that led to nearly 40 years of activism.

“You realize it’s not just your kids that matter but it’s all kids that matter,” Simmons told Spotlight PA. Simmons is now the executive director of the Peace Center, a role she’s held for over 30 years. In that time, she’s worked as a

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