Beth O’Hara, Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Maribel Arce, Director of Grants and Planning, recently received a $25,000 grant from The Arby’s Foundation for the PEACE, Inc. Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Through this partnership, vulnerable youth in our community will have a positive role model and receive the support of a caring adult.
PEACE, Inc.’s Big Brothers Big Sisters Program kicked off the new school year with a fun-filled picnic bringing together Littles, Bigs, family members, and community partners. The event celebrated the start of another year of mentorship, friendship, and academic growth.
The day featured kickball games, creative crafts, great food, and plenty of laughs. It was a joyful way to mark the season ahead, reminding everyone involved just how powerful and positive these relationships can be. A blast was had by all as the Littles prepared to head back to school supported and encouraged by their Bigs.
Three dedicated staff members from PEACE, Inc. — Jacki Evans, Jenn Gaffney, and Karen Barry — recently participated in the second Kresge Foundation NextGen Frontline Innovators Learning and Action Institute, a prestigious national convening of human services professionals leading transformation on the ground.
Held at the Harvard Faculty Club, the event brought together frontline workers from across the country to share strategies, confront common challenges, and explore innovative practices focused on racial equity and multi-generational family success. Participants engaged in deep learning and cross-organizational collaboration, with an emphasis on human connection and collective leadership.
Jacki Evans:
“Feeling inspired and energized after my experience with the Next Gen Frontline Innovators!
At a time when the world feels uncertain, this journey offered strength, purpose, and connection. The leadership, collaboration, and unwavering passion among individuals and organizations doing this work is nothing short of breathtaking.
I’m incredibly grateful to be part of the team at PEACE, Inc., and honored to bring back fresh insights and renewed energy to our agency. Here’s to building stronger communities—together.”
Jenn Gaffney:
“From the beginning, the Frontline Innovators Cohort was a family. I’m grateful for the skills and knowledge gained, but also for the supportive connections forged that will help me carry it into the future”
Karen Barry:
“Being able to learn alongside other innovators from across the country was an experience I will never forget. Attending the seminars at the Harvard Faculty Club was a once in a lifetime event. Feeling grateful and excited to build our programs even stronger! Thank you Kresge Foundation, APHSA, Harvard! and PEACE, Inc.!”
This national platform gave frontline professionals a rare space to lead, learn, and grow together. The PEACE, Inc. team returned to Central New York equipped with fresh perspectives, new strategies, and a strengthened commitment to building more just and resilient communities.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the dedicated PEACE, Inc. staff for their hard work and commitment during the 2025 Annual Neighborhood Block Blitz on South Avenue in Syracuse, organized by Home HeadQuarters. Our team joined forces with other community members to remove brush and complete landscaping work at the Brady Faith Center. It was a powerful demonstration of what can be accomplished when individuals and organizations come together to create lasting, positive change in our neighborhoods.
The Home HeadQuarters Annual Neighborhood Block Blitz is a long-standing community event that brings together homeowners, volunteers, and local stakeholders to improve up to 50 properties in a single day, regardless of weather. Held in various Syracuse neighborhoods, the initiative focuses on property repair, landscaping, and painting—all offered at no cost to residents or property owners. With support from more than 300 volunteers representing area businesses, schools, churches, and government agencies, the Block Blitz helps enhance neighborhood appearance, spark community involvement, and encourage homeowner investment. It also plays a key role in supporting Home HeadQuarters’ broader mission of affordable housing, purposeful lending, and sustainable homeownership.
September 18th was a special evening, as nearly 180 guests enjoyed one of the last official days of summer. Visitors were treated to delicious BBQ and drinks, great music, and beautiful sunset views of the city. Community and staff ambassadors also shared their passion for PEACE, Inc. and what makes the agency’s work so impactful. As you can see from the photos, smiles were plentiful, and a real sense of community emerged from the night.
Certainly, the community was critical for the night’s success. First, we’d like to thank the Center for Community Alternatives and the members of its line cook training program, who were great partners and provided wonderful food. We couldn’t recommend their catering service more! If you are looking for quality food and great service for your next event, reach out to Chef Joe Bilecki at jbilecki@communityalternatives.org.
Special thanks go to the team at Washington St Partners, who donated the venue and provided critical support along the way. Additional donations were made by Delaney Farms, Ice Company of Elmira, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, and Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery. Great music was offered by Sebastian Escribano and DeVaughan Jackson. Adam Sudmann, Karl Dawkins, Rollin Mincher, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. Kaptivating Kappa Xi Zeta, as well as community and staff volunteers, also went above and beyond the call to make the event a successful one. We can’t wait to do it again next year!
