In April we celebrated Second Chance Month. In recognition of it, we’d like to highlight

PEACE, Inc. Re-Entry program provides guidance for women and men who are entering back into the world after incarceration by helping them find employment and housing assistance, among other supports. As the Case Manager for the Re-Entry program, Michael Willacy assists clients with basic needs and helps them gain both the skills and confidence that they need to enter back into society. In his work, Michael has helped county residents obtain their birth certificates, driver’s licenses, and other important documents. He also helps clients with mock interviews and resume writing. When a client joins the program, Michael reviews an intake form and Re-Entry checklist with each client. The latter form is used to help Michael create a road map for the client; it sets the goals that the client wants to achieve in the program.

Michael knows firsthand the importance of such a program, as he himself has served time and has had his own run-ins with the law. It’s now his goal to show other men and women how to handle their issues without the use of violence. He wants to engage the community and help youth avoid the mistakes that he made. Passionate about the work, Michael began as a volunteer and landed the case manager position in September 2021. “I love my job!” Michael frequently says. He tries to remain consistent with his clients. Michael speaks about how sometimes his clients aren’t willing to commit to the process, but he never stops supporting his clients. He will call and text them, just to check in to make sure everything is going fine. In total, Michael has worked with 50 clients, the recidivism rate has remained low!

Michael’s Re-Entry work goes hand-in-hand with his involvement in the Fatherhood with PEACE program, which allows fathers from all walks of life to come together, connect, and share stories about their fatherhood journeys. “The wrap-around services, childcare, meals –makes it more appealing to families,” says Michael. In addition to childcare and meals, Head Start and Family Resource Center staff will pick up fathers to attend the sessions. The program meets once a week at PEACE, Inc. locations (Southside Family Resource Center and Sumner Head Start) to discuss conflict resolution, shaken baby syndrome, domestic violence, parenting styles and other important topics. Many of the sessions also have community organizations and speakers in attendance.

The connection between the Re-Entry and the Fatherhood with PEACE, programs is indisputable, as 60% of the men in the Fatherhood with PEACE come from the Re-Entry program. Having completed a second cohort, many of the dads from the first cohort help recruit a new group of Fathers to the program, and have become mentors. The fathers have made PEACE Inc.’s Southside Family Resource Center a second home; many of the dads enjoy coming to the center during “Coffee Hour” to continue the dialogue and to keep the connection strong after the sessions ended this past month. Michael stated, “The community center is for the community,” giving the Dads a safe space to gather and helping the program move in the right direction.

Michael sees both programs growing and expanding in the future. His work in the Re-Entry and Fatherhood with PEACE programs are truly a testament of hard work, commitment, and that it’s possible for anyone to have a second chance in society.

As the Community Action Agency for Onondaga County, PEACE, Inc. will celebrate the impact of community action this month!

Did you know, for example, that PEACE, Inc. and Community Action emerged from the 1960s and then President Lyndon B. Johnson’s “War on Poverty?” Or the central tenant of Community Action, Maximum Feasible Participation? You can learn more about the history of Community Action here!

Jacki Evans has served the PEACE, Inc. community since September 2001. Before her journey started with PEACE, Inc., she studied Early Childhood Education, taught a year of preschool, and then worked as an assistant director of a daycare center.

Jacki’s career at PEACE, Inc. began as a Site Supervisor. Jacki has sought to provide the best Early Childhood Education experience possible throughout her career. She says that, at PEACE, Inc, one is given opportunities to learn and develop in a way that embraces creativity. PEACE, Inc. Head Start has provided support as she pursued her desire to be a leader in the field. The program has offered her training and experience.

Currently, Jacki serves as the Parent Engagement and Male Involvement Coordinator, which includes working directly with Policy Council, Parent Committees and Head Start employees. She coordinates activities and training opportunities that support the parent as the child’s first and lifelong teacher.

In speaking about the agency’s mission, Jacki believes the agency provides people with the resources and confidence as they prepare their children for school and life. Her favorite part of the job is the “mentorship piece” because it allows her to cheer on individuals she works closely with as they embark on their “personal development” journey. Being present with someone as they recognize their value and gain advocacy skills is Jacki’s most rewarding part of the job.

In following up on Women’s History Month, when asked what “Womanhood” means to her, Jacki said grace, poise, kindness, strength and self-confidence. Jacki is grateful for the women in the past that put their lives and freedom on the line to fight for equity and equality; because of them, women have the right to fair pay, the right to vote, and professional opportunities in the field of Early Childhood Education.

It’s always an honor to have such amazing guests visit us at Lafayette Head Start to help us celebrate Literacy Month! We were so lucky to have Linda and Hannah from Kentucky volunteer with us this week, reading and donating books to each child.

Plus, one of our own students’ mom even stopped by Room 2 to read to the children. We hope you’ll join us in thanking these special guests for helping to spread a love of reading and bringing smiles to our little ones!

Our Big Brothers Big Sisters with our littles enjoyed an afternoon of many activities, such as a video booth, face painting, crafts, games, gifts and food.

The PEACE, Inc. Big Brothers Big Sisters Program of Onondaga County helps children who face adversity and change their perspectives to help them reach their fullest potential in life.
Our one-to-one mentoring relationships cultivate the social and emotional development needed to help build resilience and annually promote hundreds of children’s mental health and well-being.

Interested in learning more about our programs and how you can empower a young person in your community through mentorship? Please visit https://www.peace-caa.org/programs/bbbs/