PEACE Inc | PEACE, Inc.

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.

Splatter Painting at Early Head Start!

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

Students at PEACE, Inc.’s Sumner Early Head Start program recently explored their creativity through a fun and messy art activity—splatter painting! The young artists enthusiastically embraced the technique, resulting in a collection of colorful and expressive artworks. It was a playful, hands-on way to encourage artistic expression and engage the children in a joyful learning experience.

United Way Day of Caring with Haylor, Freyer & Coon

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

PEACE, Inc. had an incredible time participating in the United Way Day of Caring, and we want to give a huge shoutout to the team from Haylor, Freyer & Coon, Inc. for their amazing hard work at our Merrick Head Start site.

They tackled a wide variety of projects, including organizing the basement file room, toy and furniture storage, and general cleaning. Their efforts extended to cleaning and organizing classrooms, painting selected rooms, building new shelves for better organization, and improving the outdoor space with light landscaping.

Their dedication and commitment exceeded all expectations, and we are truly grateful for the difference they made in our community. Thank you, Haylor, Freyer & Coon, Inc., for your outstanding support!

PEACE, Inc. Grateful for Bonadio Group’s Assistance

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

PEACE, Inc. sincerely thanks the Bonadio Group for their tremendous assistance in organizing the basement storage areas at our Sumner Head Start facility. With their support, we were able to clean and reorganize the file room, furniture storage, and other general spaces, making the area more functional and efficient.

Collaborating with The Bonadio Group on these cleanup efforts is always a pleasure, and we truly appreciate their continued commitment.

Thank you!

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!

NUCOR Steel Auburn at Food Services

by Angel Belford | Jul 25, 2025 | News and Information

Throughout the summer, PEACE, Inc. has had the pleasure of partnering with multiple agencies on a variety of projects across our sites. We are always grateful for the time and energy these groups contribute to our mission.

One notable collaboration was with the staff of Nucor Steel Auburn, who volunteered their time to support landscaping efforts at our Food Services building. Thanks to their dedication and hard work, the entire list of tasks was completed in just two hours.

To show our appreciation, the team was treated to a well-earned meal of stuffed peppers and chicken kabobs. PEACE, Inc. extends sincere thanks to Nucor Steel Auburn for their continued support and commitment to our community.

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!

Senior Nutrition Days at the Market

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

From July 10 through August 14, PEACE, Inc., Food Services, in partnership with the CNY Regional Market and the Onondaga County Department of Adult & Long Term Care Services, hosted a six-week Senior Nutrition Luncheon series at the CNY Regional Market. Held every Thursday, the program served 456 fresh, healthy meals and offered local seniors an opportunity to gather, connect, and enjoy each other’s company.

Staff and volunteers from PEACE, Inc. played a key role, preparing and serving each meal while creating a welcoming atmosphere for attendees. Midway through the series, Skippy’s Ice Cream joined in, donating sweet treats that were especially popular during the July 31 gathering.

Following the success of the summer luncheons, PEACE, Inc. has launched a new monthly Senior Lunch in Skaneateles at the First Presbyterian Church. Held on the first Wednesday of each month, this location marks the 29th PEACE, Inc. Senior Congregate Dining Site — joining 28 others in Onondaga County and one in Madison County.

These programs continue to bring more than just a meal — they foster connection, conversation, and community across Central New York.