About Us
Founded in 1901, the Peoples Settlement Association (PSA) has served as a vital support system for Wilmington’s East Side, evolving to meet the community’s needs across generations.
Originally established to provide education, enrichment, and support for the neighborhood’s working class families, with a particular focus on serving Eastern European immigrant communities in the early 20th century, PSA has grown and adapted alongside the East Side’s changing demographics.
Today, PSA continues its legacy of service in what is now a predominantly African American neighborhood, remaining a central pillar of community life. As PSA enters a new era, the organization is positioned to deepen its impact through a freshly renovated facility and a strategic vision centered on sustainability, growth, and expanded community engagement.
Our mission
Our mission is to provide an array of comprehensive social service programs and to improve the quality of life for Wilmington residents.
Community focus
We prioritize community engagement by offering programs and services tailored to the needs of our residents. Our goal is to empower individuals and encourage participation in local initiatives that support growth and development.
Get involved
We invite you to join us in our mission. Whether through volunteering, donating, or attending events, your involvement makes a difference. Together, we can create a stronger, more thriving community.
Our vision
The Peoples Settlement Association envisions a sustainable community hub where every individual has the opportunity to thrive—a welcoming center where people of all ages connect, learn, and grow together.
Our Leadership
Sandra Lee Ballard serves as Executive Director of the Peoples Settlement Association, leading the organization’s mission to strengthen Wilmington’s East Side community. Under her leadership, PSA has focused on modernizing its historic facility to meet evolving community needs, including expanding programming space and creating accessible recreational facilities for local youth.
As a dedicated community leader, Ballard brings valuable experience from her years of serving on several nonprofit boards and her background in education, where she spent five years as an educator. Prior to joining PSA, Ballard retired from 22 years of service in pharmaceuticals at AstraZeneca. Her vision for the Peoples Settlement emphasizes sustainable community development and expanding vital resources for East Side residents.
Ballard holds dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Human Resource Management and Organizational Dynamics from Immaculata University
Support Us
Your contribution to the Peoples Settlement is an investment in our community’s future. Every donation brings us closer to creating a vibrant, accessible space where neighbors can connect, learn, and grow together.
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