PEACE Inc | PEACE, Inc.

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.

Baseball & Friendship

by Eddy Luce | May 24, 2025 | News and Information

BEST SEATS in the house!!! Seniors from our Frank DeFrancisco Eastwood Community Center had a ball at the recent Syracuse Mets v Rochester Red Wings game. Home team took it 5-2 and it was a perfect day for connecting with old friends and taking it all in. Big thanks to Stadium Management for helping make this great day possible!

Foster Grandparents Rock!

by Eddy Luce | May 23, 2025 | News and Information

PEACE, Inc. recently honored its AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent volunteers at the annual program recognition luncheon. Honor was given to 70 volunteers for their committed service and dedication to the children of our community. Special recognition was given to 13 foster grandparents celebrating 10 years in Foster Grandparent.

Of special note were 2 volunteers who have each given 15 years of service:

Brenda Bradforth is friendly, outgoing, and always has a kind word to share with students at Bellevue Elementary School. This fashionista grandma excels at helping students develop math and reading skills and can easily be spotted, sharply dressed and color coordinated in the classroom, surrounded by adoring first graders!

Bill Zimmer’s quiet, caring presence has helped the 3rd graders at McKinley-Brighton Elementary develop social-emotional, literacy, and math skills. He loves a good comic strip, and uses the funny pages to help children build reading confidence and practice their fluency.

Throughout the luncheon, we were reminded of the powerful quote: “The rock that is an obstacle in the path of one person, becomes the stepping stone in the path of another.” To all foster grandparents – thank you for being that ever-present, sturdy stepping stone for the children you serve in our community’s elementary schools and Head Start centers. You are setting a great example and a fantastic foundation for our next generation!

Wisdom, Perspective, and Good Cheer: The Many Contributions of Older Adults in Our Community

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

Older Americans Month is celebrated during May, when PEACE, Inc. acknowledges the contributions of older adults and reaffirms our commitment to serving them. With our AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program, we recognize the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections made while volunteering has on the health and well-being of our participants. This connectedness plays a vital role in supporting independence and aging in place for foster grandparents by combating isolation, loneliness, purpose, and other issues.

When surveyed last year, 81% of senior citizens reported feeling happier and more satisfied with life while serving as a foster grandparent volunteer. 76% reported feeling more a part of their community, while 77% reported having more purpose in life. 83% of foster grandparents reported feeling they made a positive difference in a child’s life! We are truly grateful to play a small part in improving the lives of senior citizens in Syracuse.

To learn more, visit: https://www.peace-caa.org/programs/fostergrandparent/

Big Rigs, Kids, and Head Start!

by Eddy Luce | May 18, 2025 | News and Information

We always enjoy participating in Syracuse Parks, Recreation & Youth Programs during their annual ‘Big Rigs Day.’ It’s great fun to see kids marvel at the towering cranes and excavators. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to talk with parents about our valuable offerings in Head Start and Early Head Start. Kudos to our team for constantly keeping their feelers out, identifying events throughout the year where PEACE, Inc. can table, share, and connect with families.

To learn more about Head Start — or to enroll — visit us right here.

Congratulations to Eddy Luce, our Employee of the Month for April!

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

Eddy Luce was hired in 2021 to work 10 hours per week as a Graphic Designer in our Community Engagement Department. Since then, she has led the agency’s media efforts, and her creativity, consistency, and commitment to improving our community earned her a full-time position, and more recently a promotion to the position of Community Engagement Manager.

Eddy’s work on our website has made it easier for employees and clients alike to learn more about PEACE, Inc. and its services. Her flyers, banners and other creations are often praised for their clarity and attractiveness. You can also see her regularly attend community and agency events, where Eddy is always eager to take a good photo or learn more about our local resources.

As her supervisor shared, “Eddy is the ultimate team player: She is humble about her many talents and selfless with her time. She is an empathetic listener whose positivity can be infectious. Maybe most importantly, she works hard to improve the lives of others, and takes great pride in the work that we pursue at the agency. She lives our mission.”

Congratulations and thanks to Eddy Luce, our Employee of the Month for April!

Photo: Employee of the Month Eddy Luce (center) with (L to R) VP of Operations and Strategy Todd Goehle, Executive Director Carolyn Brown, Director of Grants and Planning Maribel Arce, and Executive Assistant Connie Magunga.

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!

Brand New Onesies and a Serious Pair of Boots

by Eddy Luce | Apr 28, 2025 | News and Information

You never know what you’ll find at our Free Clothing Drive!

Last month’s drive at Tully Masonic Lodge was a huge hit, with dozens of families arriving to outfit everyone from toddlers to grandparents in free spring and summer gear. Thank you to everyone who donated their time and clothing, especially our friends at Carter’s — you made a lot of peoples’ day!

PEACE, Inc. County South Family Resource Center

Exploring Nature While Building Strong Young Women

by Eddy Luce | Apr 24, 2025 | News and Information

Spring was just arriving as PEACE Eastside Family Resource Center’s Girls Circle visited Taconic and Bear Mountain State Parks. They made the most of their 3 days in the woods, from s’mores to a ropes course, tie-dyeing t-shirts to learning how to start a fire without matches. The weather played nice and the trip was a fantastic opportunity to bond with one another and explore nature.

Girls Circle serves youth ages 11-17, providing structured support, positive connections, and a space to build self-esteem and resilience. We’re so proud of their work in building strong, confident young women!

Pennies Vs. Hunger

by Eddy Luce | Apr 23, 2025 | News and Information

Who doesn’t love a good penny war? This past March, our friends at Macy’s Destiny USA selected PEACE, Inc. as the beneficiary of their annual “Bag Hunger” campaign. Buckets overflowed with pennies, ultimately raising over $1,300 to curb hunger among youth and families.

A big, heartfelt thank you to Margaret and Mindy for leading this valuable fundraiser. While one of you technically won the penny war, you’re both big winners in our book, snagging a wonderful, much-needed win for PEACE, Inc.’s food pantries.

Want to help fight hunger in our city by donating, volunteering, or even hosting your own fundraiser? Reach out to us here.