Angel Belford | PEACE, Inc.

Dad, Bring Your Child to School Day a Joyful Hit at James St Head Start

by Angel Belford | Sep 24, 2025 | News and Information

The PEACE, Inc. James St. and Sumner Head Start locations recently hosted a heartwarming “Dad, Bring Your Child to School Day,” and the turnout was nothing short of incredible. Students beamed with excitement as they welcomed their dads—and moms—into the classroom, sharing in fun activities, laughter, and meaningful moments that made lasting memories.

The event highlighted the power of parental involvement, and the overwhelming support from families didn’t go unnoticed. “Your presence means more than you know,” organizers shared in gratitude. With such a strong community response, it’s clear the program is growing—and fast!

For families interested in joining the Head Start family, enrollment information is available at https://www.peace-caa.org/hs.

Arby’s Foundation Donation to PEACE, Inc. Big Brothers Big Sisters

by Angel Belford | Sep 22, 2025 | News and Information

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.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Kick Off New School Year

by Angel Belford | Sep 20, 2025 | News and Information

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.

PEACE, Inc. Staff Join National Gathering of Frontline Innovators at Harvard

by Angel Belford | Sep 19, 2025 | News and Information

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.

PEACE, Inc. Teams up With Home Headquarters Annual Block Blitz!

by Angel Belford | Sep 19, 2025 | News and Information

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.