Angel Belford | PEACE, Inc.

Viola G. Chisholm Eastside Family Resource Center’s Back-to-School Giveaway

by Angel Belford | Aug 28, 2025 | News and Information

the Eastside Family Resource Center hosted its annual Back-to-School Giveaway, supporting local families as they prepared for the new school year. The event successfully distributed 191 backpacks filled with school supplies, reaching 214 children in total.

In addition to school supplies, the event provided 84 families with essential items including clothing, hygiene products, and household goods, helping to ease the burden for parents and caregivers during this busy season.

This impactful event was made possible through the generous support and partnership of:

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. – Kaptivating Kappa Xi Zeta Chapter
Zeta Amicae
Lead Safe CNY / LeadSafe Coalition of CNY
Onondaga County Health Department
Onondaga County Lead Poisoning Prevention Program

Thanks to these dedicated partners, families left not only with school necessities, but also with valuable resources and a strong sense of community support.

Eastwood Senior Program’s Oscar Vergara Inducted into Bishop Ludden Athletic Hall of Fame

by Angel Belford | Aug 26, 2025 | News and Information

A big congratulations to Oscar Vergara, Activities Coordinator for the Eastwood Senior Program, on his recent induction into the Bishop Ludden Athletic Hall of Fame! Oscar was honored for his remarkable 45-year career as a soccer coach at Bishop Ludden, where he helped shape generations of student-athletes and made a lasting impact on the school community.

He was one of 10 individuals recognized during the Hall of Fame ceremony on Sunday, which also celebrated the legendary 1994 Boys Basketball State Championship Team. Oscar’s dedication to mentoring youth both on and off the field is truly inspiring and continues through his work with seniors at PEACE, Inc. To read more about Oscar’s journey and see the full list of inductees, check out the story below:

https://www.localsyr.com/local-sports/bishop-ludden-inducts-class-of-2025-to-hall-of-fame/

Westside Family Resource Center Hosts Successful Back-to-School Giveaway

by Angel Belford | Aug 25, 2025 | News and Information

The Westside Family Resource Center brought the community together in a big way with its Back-to-School Giveaway, providing 420 backpacks filled with school supplies to local children and families. The event marked a vibrant kickoff to the new school year and underscored the power of community collaboration.

Beyond the backpack distribution, the day served as a valuable resource fair. Families had the opportunity to connect with a wide range of community agencies and service providers, gaining access to important information and support ahead of the academic year.

A special thank you goes to the many partners who made this event possible, including:

Fidelis Care
Onondaga Courthouse
Onondaga County Health Department
New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC)
National Grid
Hillside
Legal Services
Molina Healthcare
Syracuse Financial Empowerment Center
Child Care Solutions
Helio Health
Reach CNY
Planned Parenthood
Westcott Community Center
PEACE, Inc. Head Start
Energy Smart CNY
YWCA

Their generous support and shared commitment to children’s well-being ensured that families left not only with school supplies, but also with tools, knowledge, and connections to help them thrive in the year ahead.

Events like this highlight the Westside Family Resource Center’s mission to empower families and strengthen neighborhoods—one backpack at a time.

Let me be Great Summer Camp Recap

by Angel Belford | Aug 15, 2025 | News and Information

This summer, the Let Me Be Great summer camp offered campers a season full of exploration, education, and fun. Each week began with a financial literacy class led by professionals like Mr. Thom Dellwo from Cooperative Federal, who helped campers build financial plans, understand loans, and practice budgeting through interactive role-playing activities. These sessions laid a strong foundation for understanding money management and accountability in a hands-on, age-appropriate way.

Campers also participated in a series of exciting college and environmental tours, including visits to Le Moyne College, Syracuse University, and SUNY ESF. At ESF, campers explored plant biodiversity, soil erosion prevention, and sustainable forestry practices. They learned about climate change and conservation through engaging discussions and interactive activities that deepened their awareness of environmental issues and their role in protecting the planet.

Outdoor adventures were a major highlight of the camp. Campers hiked through Delaney Farm, Bachar Nature Preserve, and Joe Hucko Camp, and even took on kayaking at Green Lakes State Park. The summer wouldn’t have been complete without some healthy competition—a kickball match against Huntington at Green Lakes brought out the team spirit, followed by time to cool off at the beach.

The fun continued with memorable day trips to Verona Beach, Bowman State Park, Letchworth State Park, and Pratt’s Falls, where campers bonded, played games, swam, and explored nature. The summer wrapped up with a joyful Fun Day Carnival, a perfect ending to a season filled with learning, friendship, and unforgettable experiences.

Beloved PEACE, Inc. Senior Luncheon Returns to Skaneateles

by Angel Belford | Aug 12, 2025 | News and Information

After a nearly six-year pause due to the pandemic, the cherished PEACE, Inc. Senior Luncheon is officially making its return to Skaneateles. Formerly held at the YMCA, the luncheon was a much-loved gathering where older adults came together to connect, share stories, and enjoy a healthy meal. Now, thanks to months of dedicated work and collaboration among local leaders and community partners, the Senior Congregate Dining Program is back—bringing warmth, conversation, and community to the area once again.

Spearheaded by Jean Clayborn, with vital support from Mayor Mary Sennett, Commissioner JoAnne Spoto Decker, Deputy Commissioner Sarah Merrick, County Legislator Julie Abbott, and County Executive Ryan McMahon, the program has found a new home at Dobson Fellowship Hall in the First Presbyterian Church. Special thanks also go to the church for generously offering space and support, and to Laker Limo for providing dependable transportation for seniors. Starting Wednesday, September 3rd, lunch will be served at noon on the first Wednesday of every month. Open to everyone aged 60 and older (and their spouses, regardless of age), the luncheon revives a treasured tradition and continues its mission of building connection through shared meals.