by peaceinc | Mar 10, 2022 | News and Information
Onondaga County awards funds to PEACE, Inc. so that Seniors who have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic can Age-in-Place.
Syracuse, New York – PEACE, Inc. and its Department of Energy and Housing Services (DEHS) recently received a $100,000 grant to run an Aging-in-Place, Senior Home Modification Program. The grant is one of 10 awarded by Onondaga County to provide American Rescue Plan COVID-19 Response Services for the Onondaga County Department of Child and Family Services. The funds are to “address the human services needs and improved quality of life for the populations in Onondaga County disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Housed within the agency’s DEHS, the program provides a minimum of 25 HEAP-eligible Senior and Disabled Senior Households with home modifications that will improve mobility and safety, reduce anxiety, and allow Seniors to age-in-place safely and with dignity. Repairs can range from ramp installation and doorway widening to handlebar and lightbulb fittings. On average, roughly $3600 will be allocated per project. The Program will “focus on geographies with more than 20% of the population living in poverty.”
With 76% of surveyed Americans -Age 50 and Above- preferring to remain in their current residents (AARP, 2018), proper modifications are necessary to ensure that homes are conducive for Aging-in-Place. Additionally, research shows correlations between home modifications and reductions in likelihood of fall/injury, increased physical function and personal independence, and improved mental health and confidence among seniors. Successful modifications can also yield potential cost savings for Seniors, families, and health systems such as Medicaid.
According to Carolyn D. Brown, Executive Director of PEACE, Inc., “Seniors have suffered tremendously during COVID, particularly as a result of the isolation. This funding will allow PEACE, Inc. to make repairs and improve the safety of residences so seniors can age in the homes they love and in the neighborhoods they cherish. We want to help keep seniors well in our communities so they can return to their churches, temples, mosques, volunteer roles, community centers, and the other places that support their quality of life.”
For more about PEACE, Inc.’s DEHS department, visit https://www.peace-caa.org/programs/energyhousing/.
About PEACE, Inc., PEACE, Inc.’s Department of Energy and Housing Services (DEHS)
Incorporated in 1968, PEACE, Inc. is a federal designated Community Action Agency (CAA) that serves nearly 12,000 clients in Syracuse, Onondaga County, and portions of Oswego County. Through its New York State Weatherization Assistance and Energy Smart Programs, PEACE, Inc.’s DEHS provides energy conservation measures for income-eligible homeowners and renters in Onondaga and Oswego Counties. DEHS is one of 9 antipoverty programs offered by the agency, including Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS), Family Services (FRCs) Head Start and Early Head Start (HS, EHS), Foster Grandparents, Free Tax Preparation (EITC), Eastwood Community Center, Senior Nutrition, and Senior Support Services. For more information, visit www.peace-caa.org.
Media Contact
Sally Ward, Director
PEACE, Inc.’s Department of Energy and Housing Services
Email: sally.ward@peace-caa.org
Phone: (315) 470-3315
by peaceinc | Mar 3, 2022 | News and Information
To Our Community,
This certainly has been a very challenging year for our program. I wish to thank you for taking the time to review the PEACE, Inc. Head Start / Early Head Start Annual Report.
PEACE, Inc. Head Start has been servicing families in Onondaga County since 1968 and we at PEACE, Inc. are extremely proud to be a part of this association. Our Head Start program has been providing services to pregnant women, children, and their families for over 50 years, and currently provides services to over 1,000 children and families.
PEACE, Inc. Head Start / Early Head Start mission is to inspire personal growth and empower families, children and staff to reach their maximum potential.
Head Start recognizes that parents are the primary educators of their children and provide many services to support the learning and development of the children in our care. These comprehensive services are provided at no cost to families.
We welcome all who give their time and talents so generously and encourage each parent / guardian to support the Head Start / Early Head Start program.
We hope this report informs you of the efforts we are endeavoring to accomplish to enrich our community / and to improve the quality of life for our children.
Best Wishes,
Rebeccah L. Heberle
Director
PEACE, Inc. Head Start / Early Head Start
by peaceinc | Mar 1, 2022 | News and Information
We’re especially proud to announce Tammy Mitchell as our 2021 Employee of the Year!
For over 15 years now, Tammy has served as the Purchasing and Inventory Control Agent for the agency’s Energy & Housing Services Department. In her role, Tammy, pursues annual bidding, obtains quotes for materials and services, and ensures that the department always has in-stock the materials needed to get their work done. Tammy works very closely with both local and nationwide vendors to get the best prices for the best materials while always keeping in compliance with the purchasing requirements of both the agency and its funding sources.
During the pandemic and the resulting supply chain issues, Tammy’s consistent dedication and persistence in pursuing new vendors and alternative sources has become even more crucial in obtaining needed materials, and particularly PPE items such as masks and gloves and wipes. Because of her extra efforts, our insulation crews were able to continue to work safely and effectively while other weatherization agencies struggled.
Once again, congratulations Tammy!
Picture: (From Left to Right) Executive Director Carolyn Brown, Purchasing and Inventory Control Agent Tammy Mitchell, and Senior Accountant. Tammy’s Husband Jeff (background) also joined to celebrate!
by peaceinc | Mar 1, 2022 | News and Information
Katie Taylor
Katie Taylor has been a Child Development Coach with our Head Start and Early Head Start program since 2017. In that role, she provides training and technical assistance to teaching staff to help them provide the best and most developmentally appropriate instruction to our very young students. Recently, Katie has also stepped into the role of providing instruction directly to preschoolers, as she has worked with an aide at our James Street classroom site to conduct virtual learning sessions until more teachers can be hired there. Her willingness to take on these extra duties without hesitation allowed us to continue to provide much needed services during our staffing shortage.
Congratulations to Katie Taylor, our March Employee of the Month!
Picture: Katie Taylor (center) with HS/EHS Child Development and Health Services Manager Holly Hastings (L) and Executive Director Carolyn Brown
by peaceinc | Mar 1, 2022 | News and Information
In August we held our annual Back to School Supply Giveaway. This year it was held indoors in the
Sumner School gymnasium due to inclement weather.
At the event Littles were each given a backpack and school supplies for the upcoming school year. Pizza and refreshments were provided for all who attended. We look forward to this event every year and are happy it was a success once again
