mentor | PEACE, Inc.

Pampering, Positivity, and Peer Connections at the Be-You-tiful Bash

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

Recently, our Big Brothers Big Sisters Program hosted the Be-You-tiful Bash — a special day dedicated to empowering our Little Sisters and building their confidence and self-respect.

The Littles were treated to a spa-like experience, complete with hair, nails, and makeup pampering and photo shoot. More than just a day of fun, the event fostered positive peer interactions and helped the girls form new friendships with fellow Littles.

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible Bigs for always showing up with support and encouragement. Thanks to Macy’s Lancome Destiny USA and Five Below Cicero for providing supplies and goodies for the day! We are also deeply grateful to our amazing volunteers from Syracuse University and PEACE, Inc., for making the day unforgettable.

If you would like to learn more, or be involved in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program, Click Here

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

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

Beth O’Hara, Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Maribel Arce, Director of Grants and Planning, recently received a $25,000 grant from The Arby’s Foundation for the PEACE, Inc. Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Through this partnership, vulnerable youth in our community will have a positive role model and receive the support of a caring adult.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Kick Off New School Year

by Angel Belford | Sep 20, 2025 | News and Information

PEACE, Inc.’s Big Brothers Big Sisters Program kicked off the new school year with a fun-filled picnic bringing together Littles, Bigs, family members, and community partners. The event celebrated the start of another year of mentorship, friendship, and academic growth.

The day featured kickball games, creative crafts, great food, and plenty of laughs. It was a joyful way to mark the season ahead, reminding everyone involved just how powerful and positive these relationships can be. A blast was had by all as the Littles prepared to head back to school supported and encouraged by their Bigs.

Farewell to Welcome Back – Foster Grandparents Picnic

by Angel Belford | Sep 13, 2025 | News and Information

The AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program picnic turned into a surprise celebration after news broke that impounded federal funds had been released by the Office of Management and Budget on September 8. What was meant to be a farewell event quickly became a joyful “welcome back” gathering, filled with food, fun, and friendship as volunteers reunited with renewed hope.

With funding restored, the program is now focused on getting its dedicated volunteers back into classrooms within the next month. The return of these foster grandparents marks an important step in continuing their mission to support and mentor students through meaningful intergenerational service.

AmeriCorps Senior Forster Grandparent Program Funding Released

by Angel Belford | Sep 5, 2025 | News and Information

We are excited to share that funding for the 2025 AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program has officially been released! This important milestone means our senior volunteers will soon be back in classrooms across the community, providing mentorship, guidance, and support to young students who benefit greatly from their presence. The program plays a vital role in bridging generational gaps and enriching the lives of both seniors and youth.

This achievement would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of those who reached out to elected officials and advocated for continued support of the program. Your voices made a difference. You can read more about the release of these funds here. Stay tuned—we’ll be sharing updates soon as our beloved Foster Grandparents return to inspire and mentor the next generation!

Bigs and Littles Get Creative at the Everson

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

Littles and Bigs from the PEACE, Inc. Big Brothers Big Sisters program recently took part in the Chalk Art Contest hosted by Tobacco Free CNY and Reality Check at the Everson Museum Plaza. The event combined creativity with a meaningful message, offering participants a chance to express themselves artistically while learning about the risks of tobacco use.

The day was filled with fun, color, and connection. Littles received free t-shirts and materials for both chalk art and tie-dye activities, sparking plenty of imagination and laughter. It was a joyful event where creativity ruled and mentorship relationships were strengthened in a vibrant, supportive setting.

Story from our Big Brothers Big Sisters program

by Eddy Luce | Jan 10, 2025 | News and Information

One of our “Littles,” Josiah, is a fan of the Buffalo Bills. During the Field Day event, he asked a BBBS staff member if they would buy tickets to a Bills game. He was told that it was probably unlikely. However, once our Big Brothers Big Sisters staff learned about Josiah’s wish, they decided to make it come true!

The staff worked together to fulfill Josiah’s dream. Two tickets were donated for Josiah and his Big, Anthony, who attended the Buffalo Bills game on December 22nd.

The team decided to keep the surprise a secret from Josiah for as long as possible. Once he found out, he was incredibly excited. Josiah was thrilled and smiled all day at the game!

Holidays in Central Square: BBBS Program

by Eddy Luce | Dec 17, 2024 | News and Information

This week in our PEACE, Inc. Big Brothers Big Sisters program, the kids made holiday crafts, enjoyed snacks, and received PEACE, Inc. BBBS hoodies as gifts!

We currently have 28 bigs and 22 littles in the program there and our senior match manager Erin Daino says that she has a handful more of each looking to join in.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Program hosted a “Ladies’ Day”

by Eddy Luce | Dec 4, 2024 | News and Information

Our Big Brothers Big Sisters Program hosted a “Ladies’ Day” at the Dewitt Library on Saturday, November 16th! This special event brought together big sisters, little sisters, and parents for a day of fun and connection. The first half of the event featured a variety of interactive brunch-making stations, where everyone got to create their own delicious treats! Afterward, participants enjoyed crafting holiday ornaments to take home!

Paint with a Twist at Big Brothers Big Sister

by peaceinc | Jan 18, 2024 | News and Information

As National Mentoring Month comes to a close, we at PEACE, Inc. Big Brothers Big Sisters are inspired by the vibrant colors and beaming smiles that filled our annual “Paint with a Twist” event. This joyous gathering brought together young and old from across the community, transforming them from mentors and apprentices into budding Picassos and Pollocks for one afternoon.

More than just creating art, “Painting with a Twist” was a celebration of connection, reminding us that mentoring is a canvas where the colors of guidance, support, and friendship blend beautifully. As we look back at these photographs, we see not only the artistic endeavors, but also the seeds of confidence, self-expression, and lifelong friendships.

National Mentoring Month extends the impact of these connections beyond a single afternoon. Thank you to all the young and old who contributed their hearts and creativity to “Painting with a Twist”. Not only have you created stunning works of art, but you have also painted a better future for yourself and your communities.

We encourage you to participate in mentoring beyond the month. Visit the Big Brothers Big Sisters website https://www.peace-caa.org/bbbs/ to learn more about how you can become a Big or a Little and help create your own mentoring masterpiece.

Let’s keep the colors of connection bright, not just in January, but all year long!