PEACE Inc | PEACE, Inc.

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!

PEACE, Inc. Celebrates Ribbon Cutting for New Senior Nutrition Site in Skaneateles

by Angel Belford | Sep 3, 2025 | News and Information

PEACE, Inc. is proud to announce the official grand opening of its 29th Senior Congregate Dining Site, located at the First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles. The ribbon cutting celebration, held yesterday, marked a significant milestone in expanding access to nutritious meals and community support for seniors in Onondaga County. The event brought together local leaders, community partners, and residents to celebrate the launch of this important new site.

Distinguished guests included:

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon
District 6 Legislator Julie Abbott
Mayor Mary Sennett
Commissioner JoAnne Spoto Decker
Deputy Commissioner Sarah Merrick
Town Councilwoman Sue Dove
PEACE, Inc. Executive Director Carolyn D. Brown
Food Services Director Karl Dawkins
Jean Clayborn
Representatives from the Onondaga County Department of Adult & Long Term Care Services
PEACE, Inc. staff, volunteers, and community members

The celebration was marked by joy and gratitude as 78 seniors gathered to enjoy a nutritious lunch, underscoring the importance of these congregate dining sites in promoting wellness, social engagement, and community connection.

“This site represents more than just a meal,” said Carolyn D. Brown, Executive Director of PEACE, Inc. “It’s a place where seniors can come together, share stories, and stay connected.”

PEACE, Inc.’s Senior Nutrition Program plays a vital role in combating food insecurity and isolation among older adults by offering balanced meals in welcoming, communal settings throughout the county.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who contributed to bringing this new site to life—your efforts ensure that our seniors continue to be supported, nourished, and valued.

To learn more about the Senior Nutrition Program and to find a site near you, visit:

https://www.peace-caa.org/programs/senior-nutrition/

Head Start Classrooms Kick Off a New School Year at PEACE, Inc.

by Angel Belford | Sep 2, 2025 | News and Information

The first day of school wasn’t just for the big kids—PEACE, Inc.’s Head Start classrooms are back in session, welcoming children ages 0 to 5 for a new year of learning, play, and discovery. With a strong commitment to nurturing the whole child, the Head Start program goes beyond early education by providing comprehensive support through health services and a focus on family well-being. Dedicated staff work closely with parents to ensure every child has the tools and support they need to thrive. Here’s to a successful and enriching school year for all our Head Start families!

Community Voices Lead the Way: PEACE, Inc. Presents at NCAP

by Angel Belford | Aug 28, 2025 | News and Information

At this year’s National Community Action Partnership (NCAP) Annual Conference, Todd Goehle and Maribel Arce of PEACE, Inc. presented “More than an Assessment: Community-Based Research for Planning & Results.” Their session explored how community-based research can drive meaningful change—moving beyond standard assessments to uplift community voices, guide strategic planning, and measure outcomes that truly reflect local needs. View their presentation slides here.

NCAP works to ensure that the causes and conditions of poverty are effectively addressed through collaboration, capacity building, and advocacy. Its annual conference brings together community action professionals from across the nation to share innovative strategies, research, and success stories that strengthen local efforts to reduce poverty and create lasting impact.

If you would like to review the other presentations, click here.

Viola G. Chisholm Eastside Family Resource Center’s Back-to-School Giveaway

by Angel Belford | Aug 28, 2025 | News and Information

the Eastside Family Resource Center hosted its annual Back-to-School Giveaway, supporting local families as they prepared for the new school year. The event successfully distributed 191 backpacks filled with school supplies, reaching 214 children in total.

In addition to school supplies, the event provided 84 families with essential items including clothing, hygiene products, and household goods, helping to ease the burden for parents and caregivers during this busy season.

This impactful event was made possible through the generous support and partnership of:

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. – Kaptivating Kappa Xi Zeta Chapter
Zeta Amicae
Lead Safe CNY / LeadSafe Coalition of CNY
Onondaga County Health Department
Onondaga County Lead Poisoning Prevention Program

Thanks to these dedicated partners, families left not only with school necessities, but also with valuable resources and a strong sense of community support.

Eastwood Senior Program’s Oscar Vergara Inducted into Bishop Ludden Athletic Hall of Fame

by Angel Belford | Aug 26, 2025 | News and Information

A big congratulations to Oscar Vergara, Activities Coordinator for the Eastwood Senior Program, on his recent induction into the Bishop Ludden Athletic Hall of Fame! Oscar was honored for his remarkable 45-year career as a soccer coach at Bishop Ludden, where he helped shape generations of student-athletes and made a lasting impact on the school community.

He was one of 10 individuals recognized during the Hall of Fame ceremony on Sunday, which also celebrated the legendary 1994 Boys Basketball State Championship Team. Oscar’s dedication to mentoring youth both on and off the field is truly inspiring and continues through his work with seniors at PEACE, Inc. To read more about Oscar’s journey and see the full list of inductees, check out the story below:

https://www.localsyr.com/local-sports/bishop-ludden-inducts-class-of-2025-to-hall-of-fame/

Westside Family Resource Center Hosts Successful Back-to-School Giveaway

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

The Westside Family Resource Center brought the community together in a big way with its Back-to-School Giveaway, providing 420 backpacks filled with school supplies to local children and families. The event marked a vibrant kickoff to the new school year and underscored the power of community collaboration.

Beyond the backpack distribution, the day served as a valuable resource fair. Families had the opportunity to connect with a wide range of community agencies and service providers, gaining access to important information and support ahead of the academic year.

A special thank you goes to the many partners who made this event possible, including:

Fidelis Care
Onondaga Courthouse
Onondaga County Health Department
New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC)
National Grid
Hillside
Legal Services
Molina Healthcare
Syracuse Financial Empowerment Center
Child Care Solutions
Helio Health
Reach CNY
Planned Parenthood
Westcott Community Center
PEACE, Inc. Head Start
Energy Smart CNY
YWCA

Their generous support and shared commitment to children’s well-being ensured that families left not only with school supplies, but also with tools, knowledge, and connections to help them thrive in the year ahead.

Events like this highlight the Westside Family Resource Center’s mission to empower families and strengthen neighborhoods—one backpack at a time.

Let me be Great Summer Camp Recap

by Angel Belford | Aug 15, 2025 | News and Information

This summer, the Let Me Be Great summer camp offered campers a season full of exploration, education, and fun. Each week began with a financial literacy class led by professionals like Mr. Thom Dellwo from Cooperative Federal, who helped campers build financial plans, understand loans, and practice budgeting through interactive role-playing activities. These sessions laid a strong foundation for understanding money management and accountability in a hands-on, age-appropriate way.

Campers also participated in a series of exciting college and environmental tours, including visits to Le Moyne College, Syracuse University, and SUNY ESF. At ESF, campers explored plant biodiversity, soil erosion prevention, and sustainable forestry practices. They learned about climate change and conservation through engaging discussions and interactive activities that deepened their awareness of environmental issues and their role in protecting the planet.

Outdoor adventures were a major highlight of the camp. Campers hiked through Delaney Farm, Bachar Nature Preserve, and Joe Hucko Camp, and even took on kayaking at Green Lakes State Park. The summer wouldn’t have been complete without some healthy competition—a kickball match against Huntington at Green Lakes brought out the team spirit, followed by time to cool off at the beach.

The fun continued with memorable day trips to Verona Beach, Bowman State Park, Letchworth State Park, and Pratt’s Falls, where campers bonded, played games, swam, and explored nature. The summer wrapped up with a joyful Fun Day Carnival, a perfect ending to a season filled with learning, friendship, and unforgettable experiences.

Beloved PEACE, Inc. Senior Luncheon Returns to Skaneateles

by Angel Belford | Aug 12, 2025 | News and Information

After a nearly six-year pause due to the pandemic, the cherished PEACE, Inc. Senior Luncheon is officially making its return to Skaneateles. Formerly held at the YMCA, the luncheon was a much-loved gathering where older adults came together to connect, share stories, and enjoy a healthy meal. Now, thanks to months of dedicated work and collaboration among local leaders and community partners, the Senior Congregate Dining Program is back—bringing warmth, conversation, and community to the area once again.

Spearheaded by Jean Clayborn, with vital support from Mayor Mary Sennett, Commissioner JoAnne Spoto Decker, Deputy Commissioner Sarah Merrick, County Legislator Julie Abbott, and County Executive Ryan McMahon, the program has found a new home at Dobson Fellowship Hall in the First Presbyterian Church. Special thanks also go to the church for generously offering space and support, and to Laker Limo for providing dependable transportation for seniors. Starting Wednesday, September 3rd, lunch will be served at noon on the first Wednesday of every month. Open to everyone aged 60 and older (and their spouses, regardless of age), the luncheon revives a treasured tradition and continues its mission of building connection through shared meals.

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.