Eddy Luce | PEACE, Inc.

Exploring Nature While Building Strong Young Women

by Eddy Luce | Apr 24, 2025 | News and Information

Spring was just arriving as PEACE Eastside Family Resource Center’s Girls Circle visited Taconic and Bear Mountain State Parks. They made the most of their 3 days in the woods, from s’mores to a ropes course, tie-dyeing t-shirts to learning how to start a fire without matches. The weather played nice and the trip was a fantastic opportunity to bond with one another and explore nature.

Girls Circle serves youth ages 11-17, providing structured support, positive connections, and a space to build self-esteem and resilience. We’re so proud of their work in building strong, confident young women!

Pennies Vs. Hunger

by Eddy Luce | Apr 23, 2025 | News and Information

Who doesn’t love a good penny war? This past March, our friends at Macy’s Destiny USA selected PEACE, Inc. as the beneficiary of their annual “Bag Hunger” campaign. Buckets overflowed with pennies, ultimately raising over $1,300 to curb hunger among youth and families.

A big, heartfelt thank you to Margaret and Mindy for leading this valuable fundraiser. While one of you technically won the penny war, you’re both big winners in our book, snagging a wonderful, much-needed win for PEACE, Inc.’s food pantries.

Want to help fight hunger in our city by donating, volunteering, or even hosting your own fundraiser? Reach out to us here.

Putting Money Back Into Our Neighbors’ Pockets

by Eddy Luce | Apr 22, 2025 | News and Information

All hail our Free Tax Prep heroes!! On April 19, PEACE hosted a celebration luncheon to honor the 72 volunteers who came out to help their neighbors file taxes this year. Tax time can be incredibly intimidating, but thanks to our smart, dedicated volunteers, the lift got much easier – and the refunds much bigger – for hundreds of households.

A special shout-out to our Volunteer of the Year, Dallas Bryson! Dallas has been volunteering for some years now and always brings immense expertise and good cheer to the work.

Thanks, too, to United Way of Central New York for their support in this invaluable effort. It’s through these strong partnerships that we’re able to empower our community.

While tax season may be over, our Free Tax Prep program continues year-round. If you could use help filing taxes (even if you’ve missed a year or more) or if you’d like to volunteer, visit us right here.

Sunflowers, Broccoli and Smiles

by Eddy Luce | Apr 15, 2025 | News and Information

Merrick Head Start was an explosion of color and creativity the other day as children and parents made sunflowers, lilies, peonies and more for their very own Flower Shop. Veggies also got some love with handmade broccoli and rocks painted to look like potatoes and carrots and more. Kids even got to plant green beans and lettuce!

A big thanks to all the parents and grandparents who came out to make this such a special day!

The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.

by Eddy Luce | Apr 11, 2025 | News and Information

At Liverpool Head Start, the children celebrated Dr. Seuss and Literacy Month. Parents were invited to read Seussian stories to their children, creating a lively, fantastically nonsensical atmosphere. In addition to tongue twisters with Mom and Dad, kids got to practice relaxation techniques like belly breathing, and parents were invited to share their knowledge about the current study unit: plants and their propagation and benefits. A great big thank you to parents, The Lorax, Horton, Thing One and Thing Two for making this such a sweet, silly, memorable day!