Family Services | PEACE, Inc.

Senior Prom Brings ‘80s Energy Back to the Dance Floor

by Angel Belford | Jul 11, 2025 | News and Information

Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter – 128th District and her team revived the spirit of the ‘80s with a vibrant second annual Senior Citizens Prom at the Viola G. Chisholm Eastside Family Resource Center. The event once again featured delightful cuisine, joyful seniors, and lively dance routines.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Pamela Hunter for her unwavering support and enthusiasm for the various initiatives within PEACE Inc. Her ongoing commitment significantly impacts the lives and well-being of numerous families in our community. We appreciate our Assemblywoman and her dedication to both PEACE, Inc. and our senior residents!

Stephanie Bingham is our 2024 Employee of the Year

by Eddy Luce | May 27, 2025 | News and Information

Stephanie Bingham started at PEACE Inc. in 2017 as the Program Assistant for Big Brothers Big Sisters. In 2019, she became the Coordinator at our Westside Family Resource Center. In 2021, she accepted her current role as Associate Director of Family Services.

Steph continues to be a valuable member of the Family Services team. She has identified numerous areas for improvement in the GoEngage database, has trained staff, has developed procedures to assure database efficiencies and data integrity, and she readily accepts additional responsibilities in order to best aid her peers, clients and the PEACE, Inc. brand overall.

Steph has served on a number of key teams, including: the IT Committee, Community Data Group Racial Equity Committee, E. Adams Street Child Care Team, and Community Action – 60 Years at the State, just to name a few. Last year, she also represented PEACE, Inc. in Albany at the NYS Child Care Advocacy Day.

Thank you, Stephanie, for everything you do. Congratulations on being named our Employee of the Year for 2024!

Photo: 2024 Employee of the Year Stephanie Bingham, with Director of Family Services Mary Beth Welch and Executive Director Carolyn Brown.

Celebrating Devoted, Longstanding Volunteers at County West Family Resource Center

by Eddy Luce | Apr 30, 2025 | News and Information

Recently, PEACE, Inc.’s County West Family Resource Center held a celebratory luncheon for their team of devoted volunteers. Through a partnership with Community Options, volunteers and their mentors come by throughout the week to help clean, sort, and fold clothing donations. Center staff Shelly and Barbara repeatedly emphasized how critical these volunteers are in maintaining both positive energy and smooth operations. Their meticulous work frees staff up to spend more time with community members dropping in, many of whom have complex and pressing needs. (Those needs can range from advocacy for a special needs child to senior wellness checks; help with a National Grid shutoff to emergency housing.)

Billy (pictured) has been volunteering here for over 20 years. When asked why he stuck around for so long, he said that he loved feeling useful and that they made every volunteer feel valued every single day. Congratulations everyone for working hand in hand, establishing and promulgating a virtuous circle. Your neighbors are better for it!

Exploring Nature While Building Strong Young Women

by Eddy Luce | Apr 24, 2025 | News and Information

Spring was just arriving as PEACE Eastside Family Resource Center’s Girls Circle visited Taconic and Bear Mountain State Parks. They made the most of their 3 days in the woods, from s’mores to a ropes course, tie-dyeing t-shirts to learning how to start a fire without matches. The weather played nice and the trip was a fantastic opportunity to bond with one another and explore nature.

Girls Circle serves youth ages 11-17, providing structured support, positive connections, and a space to build self-esteem and resilience. We’re so proud of their work in building strong, confident young women!

PEACE, Inc. Family Resource Centers Christmas Tree Contest

by Eddy Luce | Dec 20, 2024 | News and Information

This year, we’re excited to announce two fantastic winners!

– ESFRC has earned the ‘Extravagant Christmas Award’
– WSFRC has won the ‘Cozy Christmas Award’

Congratulations to both teams for their incredible efforts!

WSFRC has won the Cozy Christmas Award

ESFRC has earned the Extravagant Christmas Award

Enhancing Food Security: New Freezer Installed at SSFRC

by Eddy Luce | Dec 11, 2024 | News and Information

We are grateful for the generous support of the Syracuse-Onondaga Food Systems Alliance and the Onondaga Food Rescue Network. Recently, we purchased a freezer for PEACE, Inc.’s Emma L. Johnston Southside Family Resource Center. This freezer is already in use, stocked with nutritious food distributed through our Food Pantry every Monday from 9 AM to noon.

Second Annual Food Justice Gathering

by Eddy Luce | Oct 29, 2024 | News and Information

On Saturday, it was a wonderful day of education, advocacy, and community as Syracuse Onondaga Food Systems Alliance held its Second Annual Food Justice Gathering. PEACE, Inc. had the opportunity to share the successes of its partnership with Delaney Farms. The latter increased access to fresh and healthy produce for our city FRCs and taught Let Me Be Great summer youth how to plant, grow, and harvest both vegetables and flowers.

Thank you once again SOFSA for funding this important partnership.

#DelaneyFarms #PEACEIncSYR #SOFSA

Westside Back to School Giveaway

by Eddy Luce | Aug 27, 2024 | News and Information

On August 26, 2024, PEACE, Inc. Westside Family Resource Center held its annual “Back to School” Giveaway, a heartwarming event that brought joy to our community.

This year, we were thrilled to distribute over 300 backpacks to children in need, ensuring they start the school year fully prepared. The event would not have been possible without the generous support of our vendors, collaborators, and partners, who selflessly shared valuable resources with our families, making a significant impact on the community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the providers who joined us in this endeavor and made the event a huge success. Their contributions embody the spirit of compassion and unity, and their support goes a long way in enriching the lives of the families we serve. As we look back on this event, we are filled with gratitude for the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the children and families in our community.

Sign your children up today for Free Books

by Eddy Luce | Aug 20, 2024 | News and Information

What is the Dolly Parton Imagination Library?

The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is a renowned literacy program that was founded by the legendary Dolly Parton. This initiative is dedicated to fostering a love for reading among children from birth to age five. Every month, enrolled children in Onondaga County receive a carefully selected, age-appropriate book mailed directly to their homes, absolutely free of charge. By offering the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to kids in our community, the Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County aims to inspire a lifelong love for reading from the very beginning of a child’s journey. We hope to enhance early learning experiences, nurture creativity, and promote the building blocks of literacy through high-quality books.

Who is Eligible?

The program is open to all children under the age of 5 who live in Onondaga County. It is completely free to families. Your child can look forward to new and exciting reading adventures from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library until they turn five years old, as long as you live within Onondaga County. To enroll your child, please visit https://onliteracy.org/imagination-library or use the QR code below to enroll on your smartphone.

Reentry Program hosted an inspiring “Reentry with Success” event!

by Eddy Luce | Aug 17, 2024 | News and Information

On August 14, the Reentry Program organized the impactful “Reentry with Success” event, offering essential knowledge on educational opportunities and public assistance benefits.

The event aimed to empower individuals and families, equipping them to navigate the reentry journey successfully. DeWayne Comer’s expertise and motivational speech were pivotal, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees. The event fostered a supportive environment, encouraging positive engagement and exchange of valuable insights. It exemplified the program’s commitment to providing comprehensive support for those reintegrating into society. Through empowerment and education, the event highlighted the potential for success following reentry, inspiring hope and determination.