Through the Central New York Community Foundation and the EITC/Co-Op Funders Network, Syracuse is one of 20 communities nationwide that received funds to spread the word about critical Tax Credits and to strengthen Free Tax Preparation in our area. As a result of these and other funds, PEACE, Inc.’s own Free Tax Prep Program can now offer year-round services for its clients. We also have a new, year-round home at 1201 E Fayette St, Suite 22 in Syracuse. In partnership with the CNY CA$H Coalition and the United Way of CNY, PEACE, Inc. served 1500 clients last year alone. With additional resources, we’re looking to ensure even more local residents receive a full tax return!

Currently, we are scheduling appointments for any household that earns below $57,000 yearly. We can do more, however, and we need your help! We always are looking for good volunteers to aid the program. No prior experience is needed. The hours are flexible. And we’ll train you! The more volunteers, the more people that we can help. It’s that simple.

So spread the word to your friends and contacts. Visit our Social Media pages and share our advertisements. To volunteer or to schedule an appointment, visit our revamped Free Tax Prep webpage for greater details
www.peace-caa.org/taxes or call 315.634.3756.

Since 2010, PEACE, Inc.’s Donation Program has assisted the community by collecting and distributing donations such as toys, toiletries, clothing, household items, candy, and more throughout Central New York. Managed by Rollin Mincher and housed at the agency’s Frank DeFrancisco Eastwood Community Center, the program is volunteer-based and partners with nonprofits that share PEACE, Inc.’s mission and goals. The program has provided thousands of donations – in fact, the value of contributions over the past 12 years is more than $10,000,000!

To keep up with demand, PEACE, Inc. purchased a new truck for the program in November 2021. The 2018 International, which can transport 12 pallets of items, is already making an impact! The truck proved instrumental in delivering PEACE, Inc. Give-A-Holiday 2021 gift donations, which were graciously provided by individual and corporate donors. To address seasonal needs, Rollin and his team picked up winter coats from McLane Northeast, Rite Aid, and Nucor Steel to donate to clients throughout the agency’s Family Resource Centers. Additionally, the United Way of Central New York recently donated and helped us distribute 7 pallets of sanitizing wipes. Cicero Fire Department is also helping the cause, delivering the wipes to local Fire, Police, EMS, and Volunteer Ambulance Service Providers in Onondaga County to disinfect their vehicles.

The Donation Program and its new truck will continue working hard to deliver items throughout our community. A special thank you to our volunteers, partners, and donors – without you, this impact wouldn’t be possible!

Finding childcare can be difficult for any parent. It’s tough as well for area residents who wish to pursue Early Childhood Careers or to own/operate a childcare facility. To support candidates who are interested in earning their credentials or the start-up funds required to open their own childcare facility, PEACE, Inc. collaborates with Child Care Solutions of CNY and offers the Early Childhood Career Pathway Project Program. Coordinated by Karen Barry, the program offers the following 3 pathways:

Education. Clients receive assistance obtaining their 120-hour Children Development Associate Credential (CDA) or their Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education.

Employment. Clients receive assistance with resume building and job placement in Head Start and other Early Childhood/Childcare Centers.

Entrepreneurship. To start a Family Daycare business, clients receive $1,000 start-up funds and technical support to navigate the 90-page application, pass 3 home inspections, and attend CPR/Health/Safety trainings.

Since 2019, Karen’s program has opened 15 family daycares and helped 14 clients gain CDAs. Among these many successes, Charlee Crosby completed her CDA and works at Merrick Head Start. People praise Charlee for her creativity, and the children love her art projects!

Likewise, Ashley Saulle earned her CDA in April 2021 and is now happily employed at a local daycare. Her words best capture her excitement and impact about the work, “The road to getting my CDA has been long due to COVID but well worth it! Working with kids is what makes me happy and I strongly suggest pursuing a career in child care! You won’t regret it!”

To learn more about this exciting program, call Karen at 315-849-7019.