Angel Belford | PEACE, Inc.

Seniors Strike Up Fun at Destiny USA

by Angel Belford | Feb 26, 2026 | News and Information

Seniors from the Viola G. Chisholm Eastside Family Resource Center recently enjoyed a fun outing to APEX Entertainment at Destiny USA. The group spent the day bowling together, sharing pizza and lemonade, and celebrating friendly competition. Betty emerged as the winner of the match with an impressive score of 91.

After bowling, the seniors took a leisurely walk around the mall, reflecting on changes since their last visit and enjoying each other’s company. The outing provided a wonderful opportunity for social connection, laughter, and community engagement, highlighting the importance of programs that support seniors’ well-being and social participation.

Events like this help foster meaningful relationships, create joyful experiences, and strengthen the bonds between participants at the Family Resource Center.

To learn more about Family Services here: www.peace-caa.org/programs/frc/

Exploring Community Health with SUNY Upstate Medical Students

by Angel Belford | Feb 26, 2026 | News and Information

Members of PEACE, Inc.’s Community Engagement and Head Start departments recently led medical students from SUNY Upstate Medical University on a walking tour of Southside Syracuse. The tour provided students with a firsthand look at the neighborhood and a deeper understanding of the social and environmental factors that can impact health outcomes for city residents.

During the visit, students learned about the health barriers many families face, including access to resources, transportation, housing, and nutritious food. They also heard about the many governmental and nonprofit organizations working together to strengthen the community and create meaningful, long-term improvements.

By connecting future healthcare professionals with the lived experiences of local residents, opportunities like this help foster greater awareness, empathy, and collaboration in addressing community health needs.

Community Partners Create a Day of Fun and Fitness

by Angel Belford | Feb 17, 2026 | News and Information

The children who visit PEACE, Inc.’s County West Family Resource Center enjoyed an exciting winter break adventure filled with movement, teamwork, and fun. The group spent the morning at Sullivan’s MMA for Winter Break Camp, where Dylan and his dedicated staff created an energetic and welcoming environment for all participants.

CWFRC children joined studio students for a full day of activities that kept everyone active and engaged, including dodgeball, gaga ball, kickball, obstacle courses, and games like “the floor is lava.” The Sullivan’s MMA team fostered an inclusive space where every child felt supported and encouraged, with activities that met children where they were at, in terms of their individual interests and abilities.

After camp, the children returned to the Family Resource Center to enjoy pizza for lunch and share their favorite moments from the day while looking ahead to the rest of their winter break. Experiences like this highlight the power of community partnerships in keeping children active, connected, and smiling.

To learn more about the County West Family Resource Center, visit: www.peace-caa.org/cwfrc

Sneak Peek at Lafayette Head Start Activities

by Angel Belford | Feb 15, 2026 | News and Information

The children at Lafayette Head Start have been busy learning, exploring, and having fun each day in a warm and engaging environment. Through a variety of hands-on activities, children are encouraged to use their imaginations, build new skills, and learn through play both inside the classroom and outdoors.

Inside, children expressed their creativity by painting pinecones, diving into make-believe play, and strengthening problem-solving skills through building activities. Quiet moments of reading time helped support early literacy and a love of books, while group play encouraged cooperation and social development.

Outdoor adventures added even more excitement, with children enjoying snow play and active movement outside, giving them the chance to explore nature, stay active, and experience seasonal changes firsthand. These everyday moments of discovery and play are an important part of the Head Start experience, helping children grow, learn, and thrive in a nurturing setting.

Learn more about Head Start: www.peace-caa.org/hs

Dancing for Heart Health at Sumner Head Start

by Angel Belford | Feb 12, 2026 | News and Information

&Sumner Head Start hosted their Healthy Heart Dance, bringing children and parents together for a fun and engaging celebration focused on wellness and heart health. Families enjoyed a lively day filled with movement, creativity, and learning as they explored ways to keep their hearts healthy through play.

The event featured a variety of interactive activity stations designed to support both physical activity and creative expression. Children created Heart Animals and Heart People, experimented with Sponge Heart Painting, and showed off their moves during Healthy Exercise activities. Families also took part in games like Healthy Food & Heart Toss, and Pin the Heart on the Person, while temporary tattoos added an extra element of fun.

It was wonderful to see families coming together to celebrate healthy habits, active play, and community connection. Events like the Healthy Heart Dance help reinforce important wellness messages while creating joyful, shared experiences for children and their caregivers.