KeyBank and PEACE, Inc. Bring Free Tax Prep to the Community

KeyBank and PEACE, Inc. Bring Free Tax Prep to the Community

by | Mar 3, 2026 | News and Information

PEACE, Inc. and KeyBank teamed up for their annual “Super Saturday Free Tax Prep Event” at Beauchamp Library in Syracuse. Serving only walk-up filers, nearly 30 staff and volunteers prepared and submitted 45 federal returns in 4 hours! Together, we returned $106,075 to the community. Thanks once again to all of the KeyBank volunteers for continuing to make this event such an impactful one.

  • 45 total federal returns
  • $106,075 total in returns ($82,732 in Federal; $23,343 in State)
  • EIC: $34,781 total (11 recipients)
  • CTC: $14,122 total (6 recipients)
  • Average age: 51
  • Average Income: $28,927
  • Total number of individuals assisted through tax returns: 67
  • Total KeyBank personnel hours for the day of and training: 116
  • Total volunteer/staff hours day of w/KeyBank training: 238.25

If you would like to learn more about the Free Tax Preparation program, visit: www.peace-caa.org/taxes

KeyBank Grant Fuels Free Tax Help at PEACE, Inc.

KeyBank Grant Fuels Free Tax Help at PEACE, Inc.

by | Dec 2, 2025 | News and Information

PEACE, Inc. is proud to receive a significant grant from KeyBank to support the organization’s free tax preparation and financial empowerment services. This generous funding helps even more local residents access no-cost tax preparation assistance, making it easier for individuals and families to navigate tax season, file accurate returns, and connect with additional support services.

The grant will strengthen PEACE, Inc.’s Free Tax Prep Program, which provides year-round, no-cost tax preparation by trained volunteers for income-eligible individuals and households in Onondaga County. The program helps clients receive the tax refunds they are entitled to, including maximizing credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, while offering education and support around tax-related financial questions and planning.
PEACE, Inc.

As part of this continued partnership, PEACE, Inc. is excited to host its Super Saturday Free Tax Preparation Event in February, with more details to be shared in the coming months. This event will bring free tax services to the community in a welcoming setting and help even more residents prepare for a strong financial year ahead.

Thank you, KeyBank, for your generous support and commitment to empowering individuals and families throughout the Central New York community.

To learn more about PEACE, Inc.’s Free Tax Preparation Program and how to access services, visit
www.peace-caa.org/programs/taxes/

Putting Money Back Into Our Neighbors’ Pockets

Putting Money Back Into Our Neighbors’ Pockets

by | Apr 22, 2025 | News and Information

All hail our Free Tax Prep heroes!! On April 19, PEACE hosted a celebration luncheon to honor the 72 volunteers who came out to help their neighbors file taxes this year. Tax time can be incredibly intimidating, but thanks to our smart, dedicated volunteers, the lift got much easier – and the refunds much bigger – for hundreds of households.

A special shout-out to our Volunteer of the Year, Dallas Bryson! Dallas has been volunteering for some years now and always brings immense expertise and good cheer to the work.

Thanks, too, to United Way of Central New York for their support in this invaluable effort. It’s through these strong partnerships that we’re able to empower our community.

While tax season may be over, our Free Tax Prep program continues year-round. If you could use help filing taxes (even if you’ve missed a year or more) or if you’d like to volunteer, visit us right here.

PEACE, Inc. Free Tax Preparation Program Receives $3000 Grant from Berkshire Bank

PEACE, Inc. Free Tax Preparation Program Receives $3000 Grant from Berkshire Bank

by | Nov 26, 2024 | News and Information

Syracuse, New York– People’s Equal Action and Community Effort, Inc. (PEACE, Inc.) recently received a $3,000 grant from Berkshire Bank for the agency’s Free Tax Preparation Program, a member of the United Way of CNY’s CA$H Coalition and VITA networks.

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VITA Voices Amplifying Impact

VITA Voices Amplifying Impact

by | Oct 1, 2024 | News and Information

Last Month, Sharon Thompson, the Manager for PEACE, Inc.’s Free Tax Prep Program (a member of the United Way of Central New York’s CA$H Coalition), was selected to participate in the AARP Foundation’s VITA Voices: Amplifying Impact. The Washington DC Conference brought VITA and AARP leaders together to brainstorm about how better to collaborate and better improve Free Tax Prep Programs.

Congratulations Sharon!

PEACE, Inc., KeyBank, and Beauchamp Branch Library partner for successful Super Saturday event!

PEACE, Inc., KeyBank, and Beauchamp Branch Library partner for successful Super Saturday event!

by | Feb 6, 2024 | News and Information

On February 3, PEACE, Inc., KeyBank, and members of the CNY CA$H Coalition hosted a great Super Saturday Free Tax event at Beauchamp Branch Library, Onondaga County Public Libraries.

More than 30 staff and volunteers from the entities filed 40 tax returns in a little more than 4 hours. Thank you to all who helped! The numbers and impact are great, including:

  • 34 of the 40 filers received returns totaling $57,552!
  • The average return was $1,693.
  • The average filer was 43 years old and reported an annual income of $34,442.
  • 8 of the families were at 100% or below the Federal Poverty Level. 26 families were at 200% or below the Federal Poverty Level.
  • 10 of the filers earned Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC); 9 earned Child Tax Credits (CTC).

In a census tract where nearly 70% of youth live in poverty, a Super Saturday Event at Beauchamp Library can make a big difference!

If you missed the event, not a problem! You can schedule an appointment at our year-round Free Tax Prep Program and/or one of our partnering sites at https://peace-caa.org/taxes/.

EITC, Free Tax Prep Super Saturday Event planned for February 3

EITC, Free Tax Prep Super Saturday Event planned for February 3

by | Jan 30, 2024 | News and Information

For the second year in a row, CNY CA$H Coalition member PEACE, Inc. will once again partner with KeyBank, CNY CA$H Coalition, Beauchamp Branch Library-Onondaga County Public Libraries for an EITC, Super Saturday Event. The event will take place from 10 AM to 2 PM at KeyBank and Beauchamp Branch Library, located on the corner of South Salina and Colvin Streets in the Southside Syracuse.

The event is walk-in only, first come, first serve for qualifying households. The services will be provided by PEACE, Inc. Free Tax Preparation Program staff and trained volunteers. For more information about income requirements and required documents for the day, visit the PEACE, Inc. website at https://peace-caa.org/taxes/. A press release for the event can be found below.

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FACES of PEACE, Inc.: Ralph Lyke

FACES of PEACE, Inc.: Ralph Lyke

by | Jun 22, 2023 | News and Information

Ralph Lyke is the Tax Specialist for the Free Tax Prep program; he started as a volunteer/Intern and has been with PEACE, Inc. for almost a decade.

After spending years working in what he described as the “Blue Collar Industry,” Ralph retired. Soon, however, he decided that he wasn’t ready to stop working. He decided to take accounting classes at Onondaga Community College because he was looking for a job in demand.

At OCC, Ralph interned with PEACE, Inc. When the previous tax program manager himself left, he offered Ralph a paid position. Ralph has been here ever since!

Working at the Free Tax Prep Program provides opportunities for Ralph to assist people with their taxes and give back to the community; Ralph says, “It makes me feel better about helping people.”

Ralph enjoys working at the agency because the people are friendly, and he likes being a part of a team with them. He shared how he doesn’t feel too much stress about his work. He thinks of his position as his first day at work; according to him, there is “no pressure” to work. Ralph explained how “I like to keep my mind active;” working at the free tax center keeps him on his toes daily.

The Tax Center is open year-round, and Ralph finds it a pleasure assisting our community and ensuring people receive quality tax services. He is proud to be able to work for PEACE, Inc., “I’ll never be able to pay the agency for what they have done for me.”

We are a FREE* year-round tax service program assisting with the current year, prior years, amendments, and general tax questions.

To learn more about our Free Tax Program, visit our website https://peace-caa.org/programs/taxes/

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