Family Services | PEACE, Inc.

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.

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.

Blood Drive at Eastside Family Resource Center

by Angel Belford | Aug 1, 2025 | News and Information

We are incredibly grateful to the American Red Cross for organizing the recent Blood Drive at the Viola G. Chisholm Eastside Family Resource Center on July 29th. The event was a tremendous success, with 18 units of life-saving blood collected—including contributions from 9 first-time donors! We truly appreciate everyone who rolled up their sleeves to give; without your generosity, events like these wouldn’t be possible.

We are especially thankful for the 8 units donated by individuals who identified as African American, Black, or Multi-Racial. These donations are critically important for patients living with Sickle Cell disease, many of whom require frequent blood transfusions. In fact, donors who are Black are nearly three times more likely to be a match for the blood types most commonly needed by Sickle Cell patients.

Thank you to all who helped make this drive such a meaningful success!

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.

Empowering Youth with Financial Skills: Highlights from the ‘Let Me Be Great’ Summer Camp

by Eddy Luce | Jul 22, 2025 | News and Information

Exciting updates from the “Let Me Be Great” summer camp at the PEACE, Inc. Viola G. Chisholm Eastside Family Resource Center!

On July 22nd, Mr. Thom Dellwo from Syracuse, representing Cooperative Federal, visited the Eastside Family Resource Center to enlighten young attendees on the importance of crafting and maintaining a strong financial plan. During this educational event, the children were introduced to the fundamentals of financial literacy, a crucial skill set that will serve them well into adulthood.

Mr. Dellwo involved the children in engaging role-play activities designed to improve their understanding of loans and financial transactions. In this hands-on exercise, the children alternated roles as lenders and borrowers, mimicking real-world scenarios. Their challenge was to “purchase a car” while adhering to a budget, prompting them to remain within their financial boundaries.

These activities offered the children valuable insights into the complexities of financial decision-making. They learned to scrutinize loan offers, assess interest rates, and grasp the responsibilities that come with borrowing money. The session also highlighted the necessity of financial discipline and the potential consequences of overextending one’s finances.

Through participation in these exercises, the children not only gained practical knowledge but also fostered a sense of empowerment and confidence in their capacity to handle future financial hurdles. This educational effort by Cooperative Federal emphasizes the significance of early financial education in equipping young people with the essential tools for achieving financial autonomy and success. If you would like to learn more, click here.

A Day of Discovery: County South Summer Program Visits the Zoo and Escape Room

by Angel Belford | Jul 22, 2025 | News and Information

In early July, the young participants in our County South Family Resource Center Summer Program embarked on an extraordinary adventure that left an indelible mark on their summer memories. They visited the renowned Rosamond Gifford Zoo, where they had the opportunity to observe and learn about a diverse array of animals from around the world, including majestic elephants, playful penguins, and graceful giraffes. This educational outing not only offered them a chance to connect with nature but also sparked their curiosity about wildlife conservation and the importance of protecting endangered species.

Following their zoo excursion, the children immersed themselves in a thrilling experience at the Escape Room in Tully Public Library.

The sense of camaraderie and teamwork that developed among the participants was heartwarming, illustrating the program’s success in fostering not only fun but also essential life skills. As the summer progresses, we encourage everyone to keep an eye out for more exhilarating summer escapades that promise to create lasting memories and valuable learning experiences for our young adventurers!

A Serene Day on the Lake: Seniors Discover Syracuse by Boat

by Angel Belford | Jul 21, 2025 | News and Information

The PEACE, Inc. County West Family Resource Center recently organized a wonderfully engaging outing for the senior community, offering them a serene cruise on Onondaga Lake with Syracuse Boat Tours. This scenic adventure was led by the knowledgeable Captain Greg, who captivated the participants with a treasure trove of historical stories. He dove into the history of the Syracuse Salt Mines, once a cornerstone of the local economy, and brought to life the rich past of the Erie Canal, which historically served as a vital waterway for trade and transport in the region.

Captain Greg also touched upon the neighboring amusement parks that once buzzed with excitement and shared insights into the extensive environmental efforts aimed at restoring the lake to its natural beauty. These conservation initiatives are crucial, as they strive to bring back the ecological balance and improve water quality, ensuring the lake remains a cherished natural resource.

During the cruise, the group was delighted to witness a majestic flock, or siege, of Blue Herons along the riverbank, adding a touch of graceful wildlife to their experience. These birds, known for their striking appearance and tranquil demeanor, underscored the tour’s emphasis on the natural wonders of Syracuse. The excursion offered the seniors a truly unique and refreshing perspective of the area, allowing them to appreciate its rich history and natural beauty from the comfort of the boat.

Our sincere gratitude extends to Captain Greg and First Mate John for their exceptional guidance and hospitality, which made this outing not only educational but also thoroughly enjoyable for everyone involved. Though the rain tried to wash the tour out Captian Greg was able to steer the boat out of the worst of the rain. This was a wonderful experience for the senior community to explore their home in a new way.

Pastor Joe Folckemer Scholarship Awarded to Rhyan Egan

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

PEACE, Inc. County West Family Resource Center (CWFRC) recently hosted its yearly Neighborhood Advisory Council (NAC) gathering, an event dedicated to discussing community insights and proposals. During this occasion, the Pastor Joe Folckemer Scholarship, valued at $500, was bestowed upon Rhyan Egan. Rhyan’s mother attended the event to join in the celebration of this achievement.

To learn more about the CWFRC at Baldwinsville, click here.