‘Moral Moment’: Visit From Senator Kirsten Gillibrand to Defend Head Start

‘Moral Moment’: Visit From Senator Kirsten Gillibrand to Defend Head Start

‘We shouldn’t have to be here; she shouldn’t have to be here.’ This was a commonly overheard sentiment during Senator Gillibrand’s visit to Merrick Head Start to argue in defense of Head Start – an invaluable program currently in jeopardy of being reduced or defunded altogether.

The value proposition of Head Start should be crystal clear: Invest early for a greater return. The Senator reminded us all of Head Start’s vaunted return on investment: For every $1 spent today, a gain of $7 is realized down the road. She spoke of a ‘moral moment,’ one where we are each called upon to stand up and speak up for our youngest, most vulnerable constituents.

Especially compelling was Parent and Policy Council President Mitayah Donerslon who spoke of the health and financial trials impacting her and her young son – and the saving grace of Early Head Start. She was proof positive that Head Start is often the deciding factor in parents staying employed, children getting a solid social-emotional foundation, and families staying afloat. Her testimony left the room in tears.

Yes, the value of Head Start should be self-evident. It shouldn’t need defending. But it was good to gather, to remind ourselves of all the devoted people in our midst, and to reflect on what’s truly important.

Congratulations to Eddy Luce, our Employee of the Month for April!

Congratulations to Eddy Luce, our Employee of the Month for April!

Eddy Luce was hired in 2021 to work 10 hours per week as a Graphic Designer in our Community Engagement Department. Since then, she has led the agency’s media efforts, and her creativity, consistency, and commitment to improving our community earned her a full-time position, and more recently a promotion to the position of Community Engagement Manager.

Eddy’s work on our website has made it easier for employees and clients alike to learn more about PEACE, Inc. and its services. Her flyers, banners and other creations are often praised for their clarity and attractiveness. You can also see her regularly attend community and agency events, where Eddy is always eager to take a good photo or learn more about our local resources.

As her supervisor shared, “Eddy is the ultimate team player: She is humble about her many talents and selfless with her time. She is an empathetic listener whose positivity can be infectious. Maybe most importantly, she works hard to improve the lives of others, and takes great pride in the work that we pursue at the agency. She lives our mission.”

Congratulations and thanks to Eddy Luce, our Employee of the Month for April!

 

Photo: Employee of the Month Eddy Luce (center) with (L to R) VP of Operations and Strategy Todd Goehle, Executive Director Carolyn Brown, Director of Grants and Planning Maribel Arce, and Executive Assistant Connie Magunga.

Celebrating Devoted, Longstanding Volunteers at County West Family Resource Center

Celebrating Devoted, Longstanding Volunteers at County West Family Resource Center

Recently, PEACE, Inc.’s County West Family Resource Center held a celebratory luncheon for their team of devoted volunteers. Through a partnership with Community Options, volunteers and their mentors come by throughout the week to help clean, sort, and fold clothing donations. Center staff Shelly and Barbara repeatedly emphasized how critical these volunteers are in maintaining both positive energy and smooth operations. Their meticulous work frees staff up to spend more time with community members dropping in, many of whom have complex and pressing needs. (Those needs can range from advocacy for a special needs child to senior wellness checks; help with a National Grid shutoff to emergency housing.)

Billy (pictured) has been volunteering here for over 20 years. When asked why he stuck around for so long, he said that he loved feeling useful and that they made every volunteer feel valued every single day. Congratulations everyone for working hand in hand, establishing and promulgating a virtuous circle. Your neighbors are better for it!

Imagine RIT: Creativity and Innovation Festival

Imagine RIT: Creativity and Innovation Festival

On Saturday, April 26th, a bus and van load of bigs and littles headed west on I-90 to spend a day at the Rochester Institute of Technology’s event, “Imagine RIT: Creativity and Innovation Festival.” Approximately 15 bigs, 25 littles, and 10 of their family members were able to attend the campus-wide event, exploring the creative and innovative spirit of RIT through interactive presentations, hands-on demonstrations, exhibitions, experiments, and more. All of our littles got to expand their horizons, seeing what a college campus is like and how students live and learn there.

#PeaceIncSyr #BBBS

Brand New Onesies and a Serious Pair of Boots

Brand New Onesies and a Serious Pair of Boots

You never know what you’ll find at our Free Clothing Drive!

Last month’s drive at Tully Masonic Lodge was a huge hit, with dozens of families arriving to outfit everyone from toddlers to grandparents in free spring and summer gear. Thank you to everyone who donated their time and clothing, especially our friends at Carter’s — you made a lot of peoples’ day!

PEACE, Inc. County South Family Resource Center

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