Youth | 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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Annual Backpack Giveaway

by Angel Belford | Aug 7, 2025 | News and Information

PEACE, Inc.’s Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) program wrapped up summer on a high note with its Annual Backpack Giveaway, generously sponsored by Barclay Damon LLP. Held at Anthony J. Santaro Memorial Park, the event brought together around 60 attendees—including Bigs, Littles, and their families—for an afternoon full of fun, connection, and back-to-school excitement.

Thanks to Barclay Damon’s support, each Little received a brand-new backpack filled with school supplies—a meaningful boost to help kick off a strong, successful academic year. The joy was unmistakable, with smiles all around as kids dove into creative activities like sand art, stained glass coloring, cornhole, and a water balloon toss. Raffle prizes added an extra layer of excitement, offering Bigs and Littles the chance to win and celebrate together.

Splatter Painting at Early Head Start!

by Angel Belford | Aug 7, 2025 | News and Information

Students at PEACE, Inc.’s Sumner Early Head Start program recently explored their creativity through a fun and messy art activity—splatter painting! The young artists enthusiastically embraced the technique, resulting in a collection of colorful and expressive artworks. It was a playful, hands-on way to encourage artistic expression and engage the children in a joyful learning experience.

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.