Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brothers Big Sisters Program Celebrates the Season Together

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

PEACE, Inc.’s Big Brothers Big Sisters Program recently came together to celebrate the season with Bigs, Littles, and their families. The gathering was filled with laughter, connection, and shared moments as everyone enjoyed time together and created warm, lasting memories.

Events like this highlight the importance of building strong, supportive relationships and celebrating community. PEACE, Inc. wishes everyone merry everything and happy always as we head into the season ahead.

Girls Show Appreciation to Arby’s Foundation at Be-YOU-tiful Bash

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

During the recent Be-YOU-tiful Bash hosted by Big Brothers Big Sisters, the participating girls expressed their gratitude to the Arby’s Foundation for supporting their experiences.

PEACE, Inc. would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Arby’s Foundation for providing funds to support the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program in Onondaga County. These generous contributions help make programs like the Be-YOU-tiful Bash possible, giving young girls opportunities to learn, grow, and feel celebrated.

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

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.

Summit Federal Credit Union & School Supplies

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

The Summit Federal Credit Union has generously donated backpacks and school supplies to support local youth. These supplies are kept at the Big Brothers Big Sisters office and BBBS continues to replenish school supplies for of our Littles throughout the school year, when a restock is needed.

A heartfelt thank you to The Summit Federal Credit Union and to everyone who donated to PEACE, Inc. and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Your contributions make a real difference in the lives of the children and families we serve!

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.

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.

Arby’s Foundation Awards $25,000 Grant to PEACE, Inc.’s Big Brothers Big Sisters Program

by Eddy Luce | Jul 15, 2025 | News and Information

The Arby’s Foundation has selected PEACE, Inc.’s Big Brothers Big Sisters program as a recipient of a $25,000 grant to inspire children’s passions and encourage them to achieve success in life. Through this partnership, vulnerable youth in our community will have a positive role model and receive the support of a caring adult.

About the Arby’s Foundation

The Arby’s Foundation, the independent charitable arm of Arby’s, helps America’s kids dream big and pursue their dreams with confidence. Building on a philanthropic heritage that has contributed more than $100 million to youth-related causes since its inception in 1986, the Arby’s Foundation is committed to helping kids build, expand, and pursue their dreams as we focus our efforts in childhood hunger, youth leadership and career readiness initiatives. The Arby’s Foundation is part of the Inspire Brands Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) organization headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. For more information, visit www.foundation.arbys.com.

About PEACE, Inc. and Big Brothers Big Sisters

Incorporated in 1968, PEACE, Inc. is a federal designated Community Action Agency (CAA) that serves nearly 10,000 clients in Syracuse, Onondaga County, and portions of Oswego County. With a guiding principle of “Maximum Feasible Participation,” or the concept that those who are served by the CAA must also be involved with the organization’s decision-making processes, the agency pursues a mission to “help people in the community realize their potential for becoming self-sufficient.” It does so through 9 antipoverty services: Free Tax Prep, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS), Family Services (FRCs) Head Start and Early Head Start (HS, EHS), its Department of Energy and Housing, Foster Grandparents, Eastwood Community Center, Senior Nutrition, and Senior Support Services. For more information, visit www.peace-caa.org.

Since its founding in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) has been recognized as the nation’s preeminent 1-to-1 mentorship program. Research shows that 1-to-1 mentoring improves a child’s confidence, academic performance, and decision-making. Through Community- and School- based mentoring, PEACE, Inc.’s BBBS branch continues doing this important work in matching kids (Littles) with mentors (Bigs) in Onondaga County and parts of Oswego County.

Media Contact
Elizabeth O’Hara, Director
PEACE, Inc. Big Brothers Big Sisters
Email: bohara@peace-caa.org
Phone: 315-470-3369 ext. 362

Larkin Lytle Honored as Big of the Year for Exceptional Mentorship

by Eddy Luce | Jun 21, 2025 | News and Information

During the Senior Awards presentation at Paul V. Moore High School, the Big of the Year Award was presented to Larkin, who consistently went above and beyond in demonstrating extraordinary mentorship in PEACE, Inc.’s school-based Big Brothers Big Sisters Program. Larkin spent time with 5 different Littles between April 2023 and June 2025. By developing positive relationships with the young students in the Central Square Central School District, her dedication and commitment will have a lasting effect on her hometown! Larkin also received a $500 scholarship from the Dimmock Fund. Congratulations and good luck with your future endeavors Larkin!

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