Exploring New Challenges at Orenda Springs

Exploring New Challenges at Orenda Springs

Children from the OPWDD After School Program at the PEACE, Inc. Viola G. Chisholm Eastside Family Resource Center recently spent an exciting day at Orenda Springs Experiential Learning Center. The visit gave participants the opportunity to challenge themselves through a variety of outdoor adventure activities, including obstacle courses and an exhilarating ride down the zipline.

Throughout the day, the children encouraged one another as they climbed, balanced, and worked their way through each challenge. Many of the activities pushed them beyond their comfort zones, giving them the chance to try something new in a supportive and encouraging environment. Their excitement and sense of accomplishment grew with every obstacle they completed, making the experience both fun and rewarding.

Experiences like these help children build confidence, resilience, and trust in their own abilities while creating lasting memories with their peers. For many participants, the trip also provided the opportunity to enjoy activities they may not otherwise have the chance to experience, reinforcing the value of expanding horizons through positive, hands-on learning and adventure.

Supporting Families Through Community Kindness

Supporting Families Through Community Kindness

Strong community partnerships help create meaningful opportunities to support local families, and a recent collaboration between the PEACE, Inc. Viola G. Chisholm Eastside Family Resource Center and Team Halo, part of the Synergy! Program at Onondaga Community College, is a wonderful example of that commitment.

Working together, PEACE, Inc. and Team Halo welcomed women and children from across the community for a special event that offered essential items, valuable resources, and a warm, welcoming environment. Families were able to receive needed supplies, enjoy special treats, and connect with services designed to support their well-being.

The partnership highlighted the impact that can be made when community organizations and dedicated volunteers come together with a shared purpose. PEACE, Inc. is grateful to Team Halo for their generosity, compassion, and commitment to giving back. Together, this collaboration helped create a positive experience for local families and strengthened the connections that make our community thrive.

Canoes, Campfires, and Curious Minds

Canoes, Campfires, and Curious Minds

Participants in the Girls Circle Group at the PEACE, Inc. Viola G. Chisholm Eastside Family Resource Center recently spent an exciting day at the Taconic Outdoor Education Center, where they embraced the outdoors through a variety of fun and educational activities. The trip encouraged exploration, teamwork, and a deeper appreciation for nature.

Throughout the day, the girls enjoyed canoeing, making s’mores, spotting turtles, and participating in hands-on learning experiences. Each activity offered opportunities to build new skills, gain confidence, and strengthen friendships while enjoying the beauty of the natural environment. The combination of adventure and education made the outing both meaningful and memorable.

Experiences like these help young people develop confidence, curiosity, and strong connections with one another. By providing opportunities to learn outside the classroom, the Viola G. Chisholm Eastside Family Resource Center continues to support youth as they discover new interests, build lifelong skills, and create lasting memories.

Health and Wellness Fair Brings Valuable Resources to the Community

Health and Wellness Fair Brings Valuable Resources to the Community

The PEACE, Inc. Viola G. Chisholm Eastside Family Resource Center recently hosted a Health and Wellness Fair, bringing together a variety of community agencies and organizations to connect residents with valuable resources and services. The event provided an opportunity for community members to learn about programs available to support their health, well-being, and everyday needs.

Attendees were able to visit with representatives from local agencies and gather information about the services they offer. In addition to resource materials, participants had access to clothing, food, household supplies, hygiene items, and seed packs to help start home gardens. Guests also enjoyed a BBQ lunch, creating an inviting atmosphere where neighbors could gather, connect, and learn about the resources available throughout the community.

The event showcased the power of community partnerships. By bringing multiple organizations together in one location, residents were able to explore a wide range of services and supports without having to travel to different agencies. These connections can often lead to new opportunities, increased access to assistance, and stronger support networks for individuals and families.

Events like the Health and Wellness Fair play an important role in connecting individuals and families with resources they may not know exist. By bringing community partners together in one place, the fair helped strengthen local connections and provided residents with tools and resources that can support their long-term success and well-being. Through events like this, PEACE, Inc. continues its mission of helping people in the community realize their potential for becoming self-sufficient.

For more information on the Family Resource Centers visit: peace-caa.org/programs/frc/

Egg-citment at the Viola G. Chisholm Eastside Family Resource Center

Egg-citment at the Viola G. Chisholm Eastside Family Resource Center

The youth group at the Viola G. Chisholm Eastside Family Resource Center had an egg-citing time celebrating together! Staff prepared giant gift eggs filled with fun surprises, and the children eagerly searched the community room to find them.

Inside the eggs, students discovered fidgets, tasty snacks, and even some silly string, adding extra excitement to the hunt. The event ended with laughter and a playful silly string fight, creating memories that the youth will remember for a long time.

Events like this highlight the importance of community, creativity, and fun in supporting youth engagement and building strong connections among participants and staff.

Learn more about the Viola G. Chisholm Eastside Family Resource Center here: www.peace-caa.org/programs/frc/esfrc/

PEACE, Inc. Staff Recognized with Medals of Distinction

PEACE, Inc. Staff Recognized with Medals of Distinction

October 3 was a great day for Family and Youth Manager Andrea Bernard and Eastside Family Resource Center Staff member Jaquari Bowman. Each received medals of distinction from New York State Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter. Each worked closely with Assemblywoman Hunter this summer to host a Senior Dance Party and then a Senior Bingo night.

Congratulations Andrea, Jaquari, and the rest of the Viola G. Chisholm Eastside Family Resource Center staff for all that you do for PEACE, Inc., its clients, and the broader community.

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