Angel Belford | PEACE, Inc.

Learning Through Stories and Songs at Sumner Head Start

by Angel Belford | Dec 10, 2025 | News and Information

Quinn Gardner, Children’s Librarian at Petit Branch Library, recently visited our Sumner Head Start classroom to share the joy of reading and music with the children. Quinn read Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson and led the children in singing songs, creating an engaging and interactive learning experience.

During the visit, children participated by identifying animals in the story and discussing the emotions they observed, helping to strengthen literacy, comprehension, and social-emotional skills. The students did a wonderful job listening, interacting, and answering questions, making the visit both fun and educational.

To learn more about our Head Start programs, visit https://www.peace-caa.org/programs/hs/

Big Brothers Big Sisters Program Celebrates the Season Together

by Angel Belford | Dec 7, 2025 | News and Information

PEACE, Inc.’s Big Brothers Big Sisters Program recently came together to celebrate the season with Bigs, Littles, and their families. The gathering was filled with laughter, connection, and shared moments as everyone enjoyed time together and created warm, lasting memories.

Events like this highlight the importance of building strong, supportive relationships and celebrating community. PEACE, Inc. wishes everyone merry everything and happy always as we head into the season ahead.

Caregivers and Toddlers Create Together in Classroom

by Angel Belford | Dec 3, 2025 | News and Information

In Merrick Early Head Start Classroom 106, caregivers and toddlers recently joined together for a fun and creative art session. The activity encouraged collaboration as children and adults painted side by side, fostering both creativity and meaningful connections.

The event highlighted the special bond between caregivers and children, giving families the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning and shared experiences. By the end of the session, smiles and paint-streaked hands reflected a joyful morning of creativity, connection, and cherished memories.

For more information about our Head Start program, visit www.peace-caa.org/programs/hs/

Welcoming Shakira Lopez Rentas to the ECCPP Family

by Angel Belford | Dec 2, 2025 | News and Information

We’re so thankful to have Shakira Lopez Rentas as one of the newest providers in our Early Childhood Career Pathways Program (ECCPP)! Located near the Viola G. Chisholm Eastside Family Resource Center, Shakira recently celebrated a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with the children in her care, creating special moments of connection and learning.

The ECCPP supports providers like Shakira by offering guidance, training, and resources to help them create safe, nurturing, and educational environments for children. We love seeing our providers bring creativity, care, and joy to their classrooms each day.

To learn more about the Early Childhood Career Pathways Program and how we support new providers, visit PEACE, Inc. ECCPP.

KeyBank Grant Fuels Free Tax Help at PEACE, Inc.

by Angel Belford | Dec 2, 2025 | News and Information

PEACE, Inc. is proud to receive a significant grant from KeyBank to support the organization’s free tax preparation and financial empowerment services. This generous funding helps even more local residents access no-cost tax preparation assistance, making it easier for individuals and families to navigate tax season, file accurate returns, and connect with additional support services.

The grant will strengthen PEACE, Inc.’s Free Tax Prep Program, which provides year-round, no-cost tax preparation by trained volunteers for income-eligible individuals and households in Onondaga County. The program helps clients receive the tax refunds they are entitled to, including maximizing credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, while offering education and support around tax-related financial questions and planning.
PEACE, Inc.

As part of this continued partnership, PEACE, Inc. is excited to host its Super Saturday Free Tax Preparation Event in February, with more details to be shared in the coming months. This event will bring free tax services to the community in a welcoming setting and help even more residents prepare for a strong financial year ahead.

Thank you, KeyBank, for your generous support and commitment to empowering individuals and families throughout the Central New York community.

To learn more about PEACE, Inc.’s Free Tax Preparation Program and how to access services, visit
www.peace-caa.org/programs/taxes/