PEACE Inc | PEACE, Inc.

Exploring Community Health with SUNY Upstate Medical Students

by Angel Belford | Feb 26, 2026 | News and Information

Members of PEACE, Inc.’s Community Engagement and Head Start departments recently led medical students from SUNY Upstate Medical University on a walking tour of Southside Syracuse. The tour provided students with a firsthand look at the neighborhood and a deeper understanding of the social and environmental factors that can impact health outcomes for city residents.

During the visit, students learned about the health barriers many families face, including access to resources, transportation, housing, and nutritious food. They also heard about the many governmental and nonprofit organizations working together to strengthen the community and create meaningful, long-term improvements.

By connecting future healthcare professionals with the lived experiences of local residents, opportunities like this help foster greater awareness, empathy, and collaboration in addressing community health needs.

Community Partners Create a Day of Fun and Fitness

by Angel Belford | Feb 17, 2026 | News and Information

The children who visit PEACE, Inc.’s County West Family Resource Center enjoyed an exciting winter break adventure filled with movement, teamwork, and fun. The group spent the morning at Sullivan’s MMA for Winter Break Camp, where Dylan and his dedicated staff created an energetic and welcoming environment for all participants.

CWFRC children joined studio students for a full day of activities that kept everyone active and engaged, including dodgeball, gaga ball, kickball, obstacle courses, and games like “the floor is lava.” The Sullivan’s MMA team fostered an inclusive space where every child felt supported and encouraged, with activities that met children where they were at, in terms of their individual interests and abilities.

After camp, the children returned to the Family Resource Center to enjoy pizza for lunch and share their favorite moments from the day while looking ahead to the rest of their winter break. Experiences like this highlight the power of community partnerships in keeping children active, connected, and smiling.

To learn more about the County West Family Resource Center, visit: www.peace-caa.org/cwfrc

Sneak Peek at Lafayette Head Start Activities

by Angel Belford | Feb 15, 2026 | News and Information

The children at Lafayette Head Start have been busy learning, exploring, and having fun each day in a warm and engaging environment. Through a variety of hands-on activities, children are encouraged to use their imaginations, build new skills, and learn through play both inside the classroom and outdoors.

Inside, children expressed their creativity by painting pinecones, diving into make-believe play, and strengthening problem-solving skills through building activities. Quiet moments of reading time helped support early literacy and a love of books, while group play encouraged cooperation and social development.

Outdoor adventures added even more excitement, with children enjoying snow play and active movement outside, giving them the chance to explore nature, stay active, and experience seasonal changes firsthand. These everyday moments of discovery and play are an important part of the Head Start experience, helping children grow, learn, and thrive in a nurturing setting.

Learn more about Head Start: www.peace-caa.org/hs

Dancing for Heart Health at Sumner Head Start

by Angel Belford | Feb 12, 2026 | News and Information

&Sumner Head Start hosted their Healthy Heart Dance, bringing children and parents together for a fun and engaging celebration focused on wellness and heart health. Families enjoyed a lively day filled with movement, creativity, and learning as they explored ways to keep their hearts healthy through play.

The event featured a variety of interactive activity stations designed to support both physical activity and creative expression. Children created Heart Animals and Heart People, experimented with Sponge Heart Painting, and showed off their moves during Healthy Exercise activities. Families also took part in games like Healthy Food & Heart Toss, and Pin the Heart on the Person, while temporary tattoos added an extra element of fun.

It was wonderful to see families coming together to celebrate healthy habits, active play, and community connection. Events like the Healthy Heart Dance help reinforce important wellness messages while creating joyful, shared experiences for children and their caregivers.

Young Hearts Making a Big Difference

by Angel Belford | Feb 11, 2026 | News and Information

Students and families at Grant Head Start Classroom 1 and Hawley PreK came together to celebrate National Kindness Month in a heartfelt and meaningful way. Across both classrooms, children and their families created Heart Cards for children receiving care at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital, turning creativity into an act of compassion and community care.

This special activity gave young learners the opportunity to practice empathy, kindness, and generosity while learning that even small gestures can have a powerful impact. By making cards filled with care and encouragement, children explored how thoughtful actions can bring comfort and joy to others, especially to children who may need a little extra support.

We are incredibly proud of our students and families for embracing the spirit of kindness and spreading happiness beyond their classrooms. Their efforts are a beautiful reminder that when communities come together, small acts of love can make a big difference.

Pizza Day at Sumner Head Start

by Angel Belford | Feb 9, 2026 | News and Information

Sumner Head Start Room 211 recently brought learning to life by transforming their Community Helpers Domain into a pizzeria. Students stepped into the role of pizza makers, while parents joined in to support their young chefs as they created colorful “pizzas” made from construction paper.

This hands-on activity encouraged creativity, teamwork, and imaginative play while helping children learn about community helpers and how they contribute to everyday life. Sharing the experience with families made the activity even more meaningful, strengthening connections between home and classroom.

Moments like these highlight the value of interactive, play-based learning and family engagement, creating joyful experiences that support children’s development in a fun and nurturing environment.

If you would like to see if your family qualifies for the Head Start program visit: www.peace-caa.org/hs

“Dad Read to a Child” at Sumner Head Start

by Angel Belford | Feb 6, 2026 | News and Information

Sumner Head Start Room 102 recently celebrated male involvement in early learning with a successful “Dad Read To A Child” Literacy Event. Fathers, grandfathers, and other father-figures joined their children for a special storytime experience that highlighted the importance of reading together and building strong family connections.

The event provided a meaningful opportunity for children to share the joy of books with the important men in their lives while strengthening early literacy skills. Seeing families come together to support learning created a welcoming and encouraging atmosphere for both children and caregivers.

We are proud of our students and families for participating in this special event and for showing how shared reading experiences can support learning, confidence, and lifelong connections to literacy.

To learn more about becoming a volunteer visit: www.peace-caa.org/get-involved/

Exploring Animals Through Art and Observation

by Angel Belford | Feb 5, 2026 | News and Information

Learning came to life in Sumner Head Start, Room 107, as students took part in a creative activity centered around animals. Each child selected an animal of their choice and explored its colors, shapes, and unique characteristics, taking time to observe details before beginning their work.

Using their observations, students carefully worked to draw the animal images they chose. This encourages patience, attention to detail, and problem-solving while allowing children to express their creativity in meaningful ways. Activities like this help children build confidence as they see their ideas take shape.

Through this engaging activity, students strengthened fine motor skills, creativity, and concentration, all while enjoying the learning process. We are proud of the effort, focus, and growth we see in our classrooms every day as children continue to learn through exploration and creativity.

To learn more about the Head Start Program visit: www.peace-caa.org/hs

Strengthening Community Partnerships with Senatorial Offices

by Angel Belford | Jan 27, 2026 | News and Information

PEACE, Inc. was proud to welcome Regional Directors from the Offices of Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand for a visit to our Sumner Head Start site. During their time on site, the directors toured the classrooms, met with Head Start staff and students, and learned more about the vital services PEACE, Inc. provides to children, families, and older adults throughout our community.

The visit also included updates on our Foster Grandparent Program and meaningful conversations about the current needs and challenges facing the families we serve. We are grateful to Josh and Jamie for taking time out of their busy schedules to connect with our team, listen, and engage in thoughtful discussion. Opportunities like this help strengthen partnerships and ensure community voices are heard at every level.

Tools, Safety, and Teamwork: A Memorable Classroom Visit

by Angel Belford | Jan 22, 2026 | News and Information

As part of their Building Study, children in Baldwinsville JE Head Start Classroom 2 enjoyed a special visit from a community member who helped bring their learning to life. Ray Lessaongang, a Volunteer Firefighter with the Skaneateles Fire Department and the husband of one of our staff members, spent time with the class sharing his knowledge of tools, safety, and the important work builders do in the community.

During the visit, the children explored real tools, learned their names, and discussed how each one is used. Ray also talked about important safety practices builders follow while working, helping children understand why wearing protective gear and following rules keeps everyone safe. The hands-on experience encouraged curiosity, supported early learning goals, and sparked meaningful conversations as children asked questions and shared their ideas.

Experiences like this highlight the value of community connections in early childhood education. We are grateful to Ray for volunteering his time and helping make learning engaging, memorable, and relevant for our students. These partnerships strengthen both our classrooms and the communities we serve.

To learn more about the Head Start program visit: www.peace-caa.org/programs/hs/