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Community Action Month Highlights Local Efforts to Build Stronger Futures

by Angel Belford | May 1, 2026 | News and Information

Each May, Community Action Month highlights the important role Community Action Agencies play in helping individuals and families move toward greater economic stability. PEACE, Inc. has proudly served as the Community Action Agency for Onondaga County since 1968, and we remain committed to supporting families as they work toward self-sufficiency. During this month, we join a nationwide effort to bring attention to the challenges many families face and to celebrate the progress and success that come from community-based support.

Through programs rooted in the Promise of Community Action, we connect individuals and families with resources that support education, employment, housing stability, and overall well-being. Our work is guided by the belief that people closest to the challenges should also have a voice in the solutions. By providing opportunities, guidance, and support, we help community members build skills and confidence to create positive change in their lives.

Community Action Month also reflects the long history of the national Community Action movement, which began as part of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 during the War on Poverty. Today, we continue that mission by working alongside residents and partners to strengthen neighborhoods and expand opportunity. Each success story represents progress not only for individuals and families, but for the community as a whole.

Working Together to Better Serve Our Community

by Angel Belford | Apr 28, 2026 | News and Information

PEACE, Inc. is always looking for opportunities to build partnerships and strengthen connections throughout the community. PEACE, Inc. and the Central New York Community Foundation hosted Syracuse Community Connections, a nonprofit speed networking event designed to bring local organizations together and encourage collaboration.

Nearly 80 human service professionals, nonprofit leaders, and community partners participated in the event. Many attendees met one another for the first time, exchanging information about their programs, services, and resources. The fast-paced format created opportunities for meaningful conversations and helped participants identify new ways to work together in support of community members.

Beyond making new connections, the event encouraged participants to think creatively about how organizations can collaborate to address challenges facing Central New York. By sharing knowledge, building relationships, and exploring partnership opportunities, attendees helped lay the groundwork for future initiatives that can better meet the needs of individuals and families throughout the region.

PEACE, Inc. and the Central New York Community Foundation are grateful to everyone who participated. Events like Syracuse Community Connections demonstrate the power of collaboration and highlight what is possible when organizations come together with a shared commitment to strengthening our community.

Building Skills for Confident Financial Planning

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

Fatherhood with PEACE, Inc. and Thriving Not Just Surviving recently welcomed Broadview Federal Credit Union for a meaningful financial literacy workshop led by Nancy Cassella. This session brought parents together to learn practical strategies for strengthening their financial well-being in a supportive and engaging environment.

During the workshop, participants explored key skills for managing personal finances with greater confidence. Families learned how to create a clear financial action plan and gained a better understanding of how everyday financial decisions can impact long-term goals and stability. The discussion encouraged open learning and provided tools parents can begin using right away.

Opportunities like this help us empower families with knowledge that supports lasting stability and success. We are grateful to Nancy Cassella and Broadview Federal Credit Union for investing in our community and supporting the growth and success of our parents.

To learn more about the parent support groups visit: peace-caa.org/programs/frc/fatherhood/

Strengthening Community Connections at SUNY ESF Engagement Fair

by Angel Belford | Apr 21, 2026 | News and Information

PEACE, Inc. was proud to join the SUNY ESF Community Engagement Fair, where students, faculty, and community members came together to explore and connect with valuable local resources. The event created a welcoming space for conversation and collaboration, helping attendees learn more about the many organizations working to support individuals and families across the region.

Following the fair, a community panel brought together nonprofit leaders for a thoughtful discussion on the impact of their work. Mayor Sharon Owens opened the conversation by sharing her perspective on the importance of strong community connections and the vital role nonprofit organizations play in strengthening those connections. Panelists included Todd Goehle of PEACE, Inc., Lisa Steinberg of Onondaga County Public Libraries, Kat Resanovic of Baltimore Woods Nature Center, Gwendolyn of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and Andy Mager of Neighbors of Onondaga Nation.

Together, the panelists explored how their organizations address community needs, build partnerships, and support long-term growth across the region. The discussion was engaging and insightful, highlighting how collaboration between nonprofits helps expand access to resources and strengthens the overall fabric of the community.

Celebrating Camillus Senior Center Volunteers

by Angel Belford | Apr 20, 2026 | News and Information

The PEACE, Inc. Senior Nutrition Program recently visited the Camillus Senior Center to recognize and thank the dedicated volunteers who help keep the center running smoothly and support daily operations for older adults in the community.

Guests gathered for a Tuscany-themed lunch featuring spaghetti and meatballs, with sparkling juice served at each table. The event created a welcoming space for connection, conversation, and shared appreciation among participants. We were also joined by County Legislator Ken Bush Jr. and Councilor Chris Cesta, who both expressed gratitude for the volunteers’ ongoing commitment. Councilor Chris Cesta also led an engaging session focused on the importance of using and caring for the right tools in the kitchen, adding a practical learning component to the day.

We are grateful for the time, care, and dedication our volunteers bring to PEACE, Inc. each day. Their support strengthens our programs and helps create meaningful moments like this, where community connection, learning, and appreciation come together.

To learn about the Senior Nutrition Program, or to find locations, visit: peace-caa.org/programs/senior-nutrition/

Honoring Our Home Visiting Team During National Recognition Week

by Angel Belford | Apr 20, 2026 | News and Information

Celebrating Our Home Visiting Heroes!

April 20–24 marks National Home Visiting Week, a time to honor the dedicated professionals who bring the Head Start mission directly to the front doors of our community.

Our home visiting team here at PEACE is a powerhouse of multidisciplinary expertise. Comprised of teachers, nurses, social workers, and mental health professionals, these individuals consistently go above and beyond the call of duty. While many educators work within four walls, our team finds their “classrooms” at kitchen tables and on living room floors. They travel across the entire county to meet families where they are, literally and figuratively.

Through their work, language, literacy, math, and science skills are built in the heart of the home. These voluntary, evidence-based services do more than just teach; they are a lifeline for maternal and infant health, child development, and the strengthening of family bonds during a child’s most critical early years.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Carrie, Kim, Eileen, Jessica, Sherry, and Beth for the wonderful service and unwavering heart they provide to our families every day.

Please join us in celebrating these Home Visiting Heroes for their tireless commitment to our community!

To learn more about the Home-Based program visit: peace-caa.org/programs/hs/

PEACE, Inc. Free Tax Prep Team Celebrates End of Tax Season

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

The PEACE, Inc. Free Tax Prep Team recently celebrated Tax Day, marking the close of another successful tax season serving the community. Throughout the season, the team worked closely with individuals and families to help them file accurate returns and access important tax credits.

While the busy season has come to an end, support does not stop here. The Free Tax Prep Team remains available year-round to answer questions, provide guidance, and assist community members as financial needs arise.

Programs like Free Tax Prep help individuals build confidence in managing their finances while ensuring they receive the resources they are entitled to. Ongoing access to support strengthens financial stability and empowers community members to plan for the future.

The PEACE, Inc. Free Tax Prep Program will soon be relocating from the Eastside Business Center at 1201 E. Fayette Street to the PEACE, Inc. Department of Energy and Housing building at 717 Erie Boulevard West. This move will allow the program to continue serving community members in a new space while maintaining the same trusted support. All phone numbers will remain the same, ensuring continued easy access for individuals and families seeking assistance.

For more details on the Free Tax Prep program visit: peace-caa.org/programs/taxes/

County South Family Resource Center Youth Group Welcomes Spring with Creative Project

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

The Bright Futures youth group at the County South Family Resource Center in Tully welcomed the season with a creative, hands-on activity, making tin can wind chimes inspired by spring. The project brought energy and excitement as youth explored their artistic side in a fun and engaging setting.

Participants designed and assembled their own wind chimes, using a variety of materials to create unique pieces that reflected their personalities. The activity encouraged creativity while also helping youth develop fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities. Just as important, it gave them time to connect, collaborate, and enjoy being part of a supportive group.

Programs like Bright Futures provide a positive space where youth can build confidence, learn new skills, and express themselves freely. Through activities like this, participants strengthen connections with one another while continuing to grow in a welcoming community environment.

To learn more about the Bright Futures Youth Group or the County South Family Resource Center visit: peace-caa.org/programs/frc/csfrc/

Interactive Learning Sparks Curiosity and Creativity

by Angel Belford | Apr 14, 2026 | News and Information

PEACE, Inc. Head Start Preschool and Early Head Start recently hosted another Same Book Event at the Baldwinsville Jordan-Elbridge Head Start location, welcoming families for an evening of story, discovery, and hands-on fun centered around early literacy. Inspired by The Very Hungry Caterpillar, the event turned a familiar story into an interactive experience where children and caregivers could learn, play, and explore together.

Families rotated through a variety of engaging activity stations that brought the story to life in creative ways. Children enjoyed themed crafts, shared in read-aloud moments, took part in a bug hunt, and visited examination stations where they carefully observed and explored items connected to the story. Each activity invited curiosity and conversation, giving children space to learn through doing while families joined in the experience.

The Same Book Event continues to be a meaningful way to strengthen early literacy skills while building strong home-to-school connections. Through shared stories and hands-on learning, PEACE, Inc. helps children grow their confidence, spark their imagination, and build a lifelong excitement for reading.

Early Learners Discover Emotional Awareness Through Theater Experience

by Angel Belford | Apr 10, 2026 | News and Information

PEACE, Inc. Sumner Head Start recently welcomed Syracuse Stage for an engaging and interactive performance of “Tiny Martians, Big Emotions.” The visit brought storytelling and theater directly into the classroom, creating a meaningful learning experience for our UPK students.

During the performance, students joined a pair of curious Martians as they discovered emotions for the very first time. With support from the children, the characters explored feelings such as excitement, frustration, and joy, while learning how colors and textures can help express different moods. The students were active participants throughout the story, helping guide the Martians as they navigated their new emotional world.

This creative experience supported early emotional learning by showing children that feelings are natural and can be expressed in many ways. It also reinforced the importance of empathy, communication, and supporting one another. Through partnerships like this, Sumner Head Start continues to create opportunities that help young learners grow socially, emotionally, and academically.

If you would like to learn more about the Head Start Program visit: peace-caa.org/programs/hs/
To learn about the “Tiny Martians, Big Emotions” preformance visit: www.syracusestage.org/engage