Family Services | PEACE, Inc.

Home-Based Rock Stars Graduate

by Angel Belford | Aug 8, 2025 | News and Information

The Early Head Start Home-Based Program rock stars did not let the cool rainy day mess up their sliding in to get their diplomas. Children slid down the slide with their families and friends watching as they shared a moment of saying goodbye to Home-Based and welcoming in their new adventure. The Early Head Start Home-Based Program has 25 children transitioning to the Head Start center base, heading off to kindergarten, or continuing with Home-Based as a Head Start. We want to wish all of our rock stars and their families the best.

As each child took that exhilarating slide, laughter filled the air, echoing the joy of new beginnings. Parents cheered, capturing every moment on camera, while home visitors beamed with pride at how far each child had come. This day was not just a celebration of achievements but also a testament to the love and support that have nurtured these young minds.

The rain may have drizzled down, but it only added to the magic of the day—a reminder that even in less-than-perfect conditions, we can find joy and create beautiful memories.

Blood Drive at Eastside Family Resource Center

by Angel Belford | Aug 1, 2025 | News and Information

We are incredibly grateful to the American Red Cross for organizing the recent Blood Drive at the Viola G. Chisholm Eastside Family Resource Center on July 29th. The event was a tremendous success, with 18 units of life-saving blood collected—including contributions from 9 first-time donors! We truly appreciate everyone who rolled up their sleeves to give; without your generosity, events like these wouldn’t be possible.

We are especially thankful for the 8 units donated by individuals who identified as African American, Black, or Multi-Racial. These donations are critically important for patients living with Sickle Cell disease, many of whom require frequent blood transfusions. In fact, donors who are Black are nearly three times more likely to be a match for the blood types most commonly needed by Sickle Cell patients.

Thank you to all who helped make this drive such a meaningful success!

Thornton Has A Zoo: A Day of Discovery with Home-Base

by Angel Belford | Jul 25, 2025 | News and Information

This summer, Home-Base has emerged as a vibrant hub for family socialization, enriched by an engaging visit from “Thornton Has A Zoo.” This educational experience provided an excellent opportunity for children to interact with a variety of fascinating animals, each offering unique insights into the world of wildlife. Among the featured creatures were Ginny, a bearded dragon; Malfoy, a ferret; and a crested gecko. The highlight was undoubtedly Typhoon, a striking Red Colombian Tail Boa Snake that captivated the audience with its majestic presence.

In addition to these reptiles and mammals, the visit included Mickey, an Umbrella Cockatoo known for his entertaining ability to talk and dance. Observing Mickey’s playful antics not only delighted the children but also fostered discussions about avian behavior and communication. Furthermore, the introduction of Posh and Skelly—a pair of 15-year-old Russian tortoises—offered valuable lessons on longevity in reptile species. The encounter with Bull (65 years old) and Spike (25 years old) further emphasized the significance of conservation efforts for such remarkable creatures.

Overall, this interactive experience was not just enjoyable but profoundly educational for all participants. Children eagerly engaged in feeding and observing the animals as they roamed freely around the room. Such hands-on learning opportunities are invaluable in fostering curiosity about nature while promoting empathy towards living beings. The successful integration of entertainment and education during this event exemplifies how community initiatives can enhance familial bonds through shared experiences.

Empowering Youth with Financial Skills: Highlights from the ‘Let Me Be Great’ Summer Camp

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

Exciting updates from the “Let Me Be Great” summer camp at the PEACE, Inc. Viola G. Chisholm Eastside Family Resource Center!

On July 22nd, Mr. Thom Dellwo from Syracuse, representing Cooperative Federal, visited the Eastside Family Resource Center to enlighten young attendees on the importance of crafting and maintaining a strong financial plan. During this educational event, the children were introduced to the fundamentals of financial literacy, a crucial skill set that will serve them well into adulthood.

Mr. Dellwo involved the children in engaging role-play activities designed to improve their understanding of loans and financial transactions. In this hands-on exercise, the children alternated roles as lenders and borrowers, mimicking real-world scenarios. Their challenge was to “purchase a car” while adhering to a budget, prompting them to remain within their financial boundaries.

These activities offered the children valuable insights into the complexities of financial decision-making. They learned to scrutinize loan offers, assess interest rates, and grasp the responsibilities that come with borrowing money. The session also highlighted the necessity of financial discipline and the potential consequences of overextending one’s finances.

Through participation in these exercises, the children not only gained practical knowledge but also fostered a sense of empowerment and confidence in their capacity to handle future financial hurdles. This educational effort by Cooperative Federal emphasizes the significance of early financial education in equipping young people with the essential tools for achieving financial autonomy and success. If you would like to learn more, click here.

A Day of Discovery: County South Summer Program Visits the Zoo and Escape Room

by Angel Belford | Jul 22, 2025 | News and Information

In early July, the young participants in our County South Family Resource Center Summer Program embarked on an extraordinary adventure that left an indelible mark on their summer memories. They visited the renowned Rosamond Gifford Zoo, where they had the opportunity to observe and learn about a diverse array of animals from around the world, including majestic elephants, playful penguins, and graceful giraffes. This educational outing not only offered them a chance to connect with nature but also sparked their curiosity about wildlife conservation and the importance of protecting endangered species.

Following their zoo excursion, the children immersed themselves in a thrilling experience at the Escape Room in Tully Public Library.

The sense of camaraderie and teamwork that developed among the participants was heartwarming, illustrating the program’s success in fostering not only fun but also essential life skills. As the summer progresses, we encourage everyone to keep an eye out for more exhilarating summer escapades that promise to create lasting memories and valuable learning experiences for our young adventurers!

A Serene Day on the Lake: Seniors Discover Syracuse by Boat

by Angel Belford | Jul 21, 2025 | News and Information

The PEACE, Inc. County West Family Resource Center recently organized a wonderfully engaging outing for the senior community, offering them a serene cruise on Onondaga Lake with Syracuse Boat Tours. This scenic adventure was led by the knowledgeable Captain Greg, who captivated the participants with a treasure trove of historical stories. He dove into the history of the Syracuse Salt Mines, once a cornerstone of the local economy, and brought to life the rich past of the Erie Canal, which historically served as a vital waterway for trade and transport in the region.

Captain Greg also touched upon the neighboring amusement parks that once buzzed with excitement and shared insights into the extensive environmental efforts aimed at restoring the lake to its natural beauty. These conservation initiatives are crucial, as they strive to bring back the ecological balance and improve water quality, ensuring the lake remains a cherished natural resource.

During the cruise, the group was delighted to witness a majestic flock, or siege, of Blue Herons along the riverbank, adding a touch of graceful wildlife to their experience. These birds, known for their striking appearance and tranquil demeanor, underscored the tour’s emphasis on the natural wonders of Syracuse. The excursion offered the seniors a truly unique and refreshing perspective of the area, allowing them to appreciate its rich history and natural beauty from the comfort of the boat.

Our sincere gratitude extends to Captain Greg and First Mate John for their exceptional guidance and hospitality, which made this outing not only educational but also thoroughly enjoyable for everyone involved. Though the rain tried to wash the tour out Captian Greg was able to steer the boat out of the worst of the rain. This was a wonderful experience for the senior community to explore their home in a new way.

Pastor Joe Folckemer Scholarship Awarded to Rhyan Egan

by Angel Belford | Jul 18, 2025 | News and Information

PEACE, Inc. County West Family Resource Center (CWFRC) recently hosted its yearly Neighborhood Advisory Council (NAC) gathering, an event dedicated to discussing community insights and proposals. During this occasion, the Pastor Joe Folckemer Scholarship, valued at $500, was bestowed upon Rhyan Egan. Rhyan’s mother attended the event to join in the celebration of this achievement.

To learn more about the CWFRC at Baldwinsville, click here.

Senior Prom Brings ‘80s Energy Back to the Dance Floor

by Angel Belford | Jul 11, 2025 | News and Information

Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter – 128th District and her team revived the spirit of the ‘80s with a vibrant second annual Senior Citizens Prom at the Viola G. Chisholm Eastside Family Resource Center. The event once again featured delightful cuisine, joyful seniors, and lively dance routines.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Pamela Hunter for her unwavering support and enthusiasm for the various initiatives within PEACE Inc. Her ongoing commitment significantly impacts the lives and well-being of numerous families in our community. We appreciate our Assemblywoman and her dedication to both PEACE, Inc. and our senior residents!

Stephanie Bingham is our 2024 Employee of the Year

by Eddy Luce | May 27, 2025 | News and Information

Stephanie Bingham started at PEACE Inc. in 2017 as the Program Assistant for Big Brothers Big Sisters. In 2019, she became the Coordinator at our Westside Family Resource Center. In 2021, she accepted her current role as Associate Director of Family Services.

Steph continues to be a valuable member of the Family Services team. She has identified numerous areas for improvement in the GoEngage database, has trained staff, has developed procedures to assure database efficiencies and data integrity, and she readily accepts additional responsibilities in order to best aid her peers, clients and the PEACE, Inc. brand overall.

Steph has served on a number of key teams, including: the IT Committee, Community Data Group Racial Equity Committee, E. Adams Street Child Care Team, and Community Action – 60 Years at the State, just to name a few. Last year, she also represented PEACE, Inc. in Albany at the NYS Child Care Advocacy Day.

Thank you, Stephanie, for everything you do. Congratulations on being named our Employee of the Year for 2024!

Photo: 2024 Employee of the Year Stephanie Bingham, with Director of Family Services Mary Beth Welch and Executive Director Carolyn Brown.

Celebrating Devoted, Longstanding Volunteers at County West Family Resource Center

by Eddy Luce | Apr 30, 2025 | News and Information

Recently, PEACE, Inc.’s County West Family Resource Center held a celebratory luncheon for their team of devoted volunteers. Through a partnership with Community Options, volunteers and their mentors come by throughout the week to help clean, sort, and fold clothing donations. Center staff Shelly and Barbara repeatedly emphasized how critical these volunteers are in maintaining both positive energy and smooth operations. Their meticulous work frees staff up to spend more time with community members dropping in, many of whom have complex and pressing needs. (Those needs can range from advocacy for a special needs child to senior wellness checks; help with a National Grid shutoff to emergency housing.)

Billy (pictured) has been volunteering here for over 20 years. When asked why he stuck around for so long, he said that he loved feeling useful and that they made every volunteer feel valued every single day. Congratulations everyone for working hand in hand, establishing and promulgating a virtuous circle. Your neighbors are better for it!