FACES of PEACE, Inc.: Ralph Lyke

FACES of PEACE, Inc.: Ralph Lyke

by | Jun 22, 2023 | News and Information

Ralph Lyke is the Tax Specialist for the Free Tax Prep program; he started as a volunteer/Intern and has been with PEACE, Inc. for almost a decade.

After spending years working in what he described as the “Blue Collar Industry,” Ralph retired. Soon, however, he decided that he wasn’t ready to stop working. He decided to take accounting classes at Onondaga Community College because he was looking for a job in demand.

At OCC, Ralph interned with PEACE, Inc. When the previous tax program manager himself left, he offered Ralph a paid position. Ralph has been here ever since!

Working at the Free Tax Prep Program provides opportunities for Ralph to assist people with their taxes and give back to the community; Ralph says, “It makes me feel better about helping people.”

Ralph enjoys working at the agency because the people are friendly, and he likes being a part of a team with them. He shared how he doesn’t feel too much stress about his work. He thinks of his position as his first day at work; according to him, there is “no pressure” to work. Ralph explained how “I like to keep my mind active;” working at the free tax center keeps him on his toes daily.

The Tax Center is open year-round, and Ralph finds it a pleasure assisting our community and ensuring people receive quality tax services. He is proud to be able to work for PEACE, Inc., “I’ll never be able to pay the agency for what they have done for me.”

We are a FREE* year-round tax service program assisting with the current year, prior years, amendments, and general tax questions.

To learn more about our Free Tax Program, visit our website https://www.peace-caa.org/programs/taxes/

PEACE, Inc. Americorps Seniors foster grandparents were recently recognized

PEACE, Inc. Americorps Seniors foster grandparents were recently recognized

by | Jun 15, 2023 | News and Information

PEACE, Inc. Americorps Seniors foster grandparents were recently recognized for their commitment and dedication to the children of our community. Special honor was paid to volunteers celebrating milestone anniversaries. Congratulations to Sylvearl for 15 years and Mercedes for 10 years of service. Thanks to Angenetta, Christine, Betty, Pauling and Lynn for 5 years of service.

“The bee is more honored than other animals. Not because she labors. But because she labors for others” – Sir John Chrysostom

To all foster grandparents — continue to bee amazing!! 🐝🐝🐝

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

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

by | Jun 15, 2023 | News and Information

Syracuse, New York, June 14, 2023 – The Arby’s Foundation has given more than $100 million to youth related causes throughout the United States.

Here in Syracuse and Onondaga County, New York, $12,400 will be granted to PEACE, Inc. Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) program. The funds will support BBBS special events – including the spring Canal Day event and the annual Holiday Party – as well as support program staff.

Additional funds will be granted to Arby’s Foundation national nonprofit partners: Big Brothers Big Sisters, No Kid Hungry, and Folds of Honor to support programs focused on childhood hunger, youth leadership, and career readiness.

About the Arby’s Foundation

The Arby’s Foundation, the independent charitable arm of Arby’s, helps America’s kids dream big and pursue their dreams with confidence. Building on a philanthropic heritage that has contributed more than $90 million to youth-related causes since its inception in 1986, the Arby’s Foundation is committed to helping kids build, expand and pursue their dreams as we focus our efforts in childhood hunger, youth leadership and career readiness initiatives. The Arby’s Foundation is part of the Inspire Brands Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) organization headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. For more information, visit www.foundation.arbys.com.

About PEACE, Inc. and Big Brothers Big Sisters

Incorporated in 1968, PEACE, Inc. is a federal designated Community Action Agency (CAA) that serves nearly 8,000 clients in Syracuse, Onondaga County, and portions of Oswego County. With a guiding principle of “Maximum Feasible Participation,” or the concept that those who are served by the CAA must also be involved with the organization’s decision-making processes, the agency pursues a mission to “help people in the community realize their potential for becoming self-sufficient.” It does so through 9 antipoverty services: Free Tax Prep, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS), Family Services (FRCs) Head Start and Early Head Start (HS, EHS), its Department of Energy and Housing, Foster Grandparents, Eastwood Community Center, Senior Nutrition, and Senior Support Services. For more information, visit www.peace-caa.org.

Since its founding in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) has been recognized the nation’s preeminent 1-to-1 mentorship program. Research shows that 1-to-1 mentoring improves a child’s confidence, academic performance, and decision making. Through Community-, School-, and Corporate-Based mentoring, PEACE, Inc.’s BBBS branch continues doing this important work in matching kids (Littles) with mentors (Bigs).

Media Contact
John F. Bruzdzinski, Director
PEACE, Inc. Big Brothers Big Sisters
Email: john.bruzdzinski@peace-caa.org
Phone: 315-470-3369 ext 362

June 2023 – Employee of the Month: Carol Alexander

June 2023 – Employee of the Month: Carol Alexander

by | Jun 5, 2023 | News and Information

Carol Alexander joined Liverpool Head Start in August of 2017 as a floating center aide, a role in which she has enthusiastically contributed to the operations of her site in a variety of ways, such as providing assistance in the classrooms, or maintaining inventory of supplies, or serving meals. But during the past two school years the nutrition aide position has been chronically vacant, requiring Carol to spend almost all of her time in the kitchen, preparing breakfasts and lunches and snacks for the preschoolers while paying close attention to their many special dietary needs.

Thank you, Carol, for spending so much time in a very important role that you did not choose, and congratulations for being named our Employee of the Month for June!

Photo: Employee of the Month Carol Alexander with Executive Director Carolyn Brown (L) and Site Supervisor Kelly Jensen (R)

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