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Seniors Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Festive Lunch

by Angel Belford | Mar 13, 2026 | News and Information

Seniors gathered at the Camillus Senior Center for a festive and welcoming St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon, hosted by the PEACE, Inc. Senior Nutrition Program. The event brought community members together to enjoy a warm meal, good company, and a celebration of the holiday.

Guests were treated to a delicious Irish-inspired menu featuring Beef and Guinness stew, smashed potatoes with chives, steamed cabbage and baby carrots, rye bread, and a sweet serving of coffee cake. The meal provided not only nourishment but also an opportunity for seniors to connect, share stories, and enjoy time together in a friendly and supportive environment.

Events like this highlight the importance of the Senior Nutrition Program in promoting both health and social connection. With great food, laughter, and meaningful conversation, the luncheon was a wonderful reminder of how community gatherings can bring people together and brighten the day.

To learn more about the PEACE, Inc. Senior Nutrition Program, visit: https://peace-caa.org/senior-nutrition

Healthy Food Exploration at Head Start

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

Head Start students at Sumner and Genesee are building healthy habits through hands-on learning experiences that engage their curiosity and senses. In Sumner Head Start, Room 107, children explored raw collard greens using their five senses. They observed the color and texture, felt the leaves, smelled them, and even listened to the sounds they made. Later, during lunch, students compared their findings with cooked collard greens and recorded their observations on a class graph, turning the experience into both a science and nutrition lesson. A playful moment during centers even included a zebra puppet joining in to “taste” the greens, adding creativity and fun to the activity.

At Genesee Head Start, Room 4, students have been actively participating in the Eat Well Play Hard program, where they are learning about healthy foods through interactive lessons. As part of the program, children had the opportunity to try a variety of salad ingredients, including snap peas, and discuss which foods they liked and which they did not. These taste-testing experiences encourage children to try new foods while building awareness of healthy choices.

Together, these activities highlight how Head Start classrooms create meaningful learning opportunities that connect nutrition, exploration, and play. By engaging children in hands-on experiences, students not only learn about healthy foods but also build confidence, curiosity, and lifelong habits that support their well-being.

Learn more about the Head Start program by visiting: www.peace-caa.org/programs/hs/

Amazon Community Hero – Nancy Turo

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

Congratulations to Nancy Turo, PEACE, Inc. Chief Financial Officer, who was recently recognized as the Amazon Community Hero during a Syracuse Crunch hockey game. PEACE, Inc. staff joined fans and community members at the game to celebrate Nancy and the many ways she supports both the agency and the broader community.

Nancy’s recognition highlights the dedication and leadership she brings to her work each day. Known for her commitment, generosity, and willingness to lend a helping hand, Nancy plays an important role in helping PEACE, Inc. continue its mission of serving families and strengthening communities.

We are proud to see Nancy honored for the positive impact she makes both inside and outside the organization. Congratulations, Nancy, on this well-deserved recognition as an Amazon Community Hero.

Movies with Mentors

by Angel Belford | Mar 7, 2026 | News and Information

PEACE, Inc.’s Big Brothers Big Sisters program recently hosted a special evening for Bigs and their Littles, giving them the chance to connect, have fun, and strengthen their mentoring relationships. The event featured a movie screening, a variety of snacks, and plenty of opportunities for laughter and shared experiences.

The evening provided a relaxed, enjoyable setting where mentors and mentees could spend quality time together outside of their usual activities. Events like these not only create lasting memories but also help build trust, confidence, and meaningful bonds between Bigs and Littles.

PEACE, Inc. is proud to offer programs that encourage connection, support personal growth, and positively impact the lives of young people in our community. Through experiences like this, mentors and mentees alike gain valuable moments of joy, learning, and friendship.

Want to be part of Big Brothers Big Sisters? Visit: www.peace-caa.org/programs/bbbs/

Guiding Young Learners: Our New Foster Grandparents

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

PEACE, Inc. is proud to welcome the newest class of AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparents, who recently completed their volunteer orientation.

Foster Grandparents Cynthia, Joyce, Mary, and Brenda will soon be supporting students in the classroom, providing one-on-one guidance, encouragement, and mentorship to children who need extra help. Their presence helps strengthen learning, build confidence, and create meaningful connections with students.

We are excited to see these dedicated volunteers making a positive impact and supporting the success of our young learners every day.

Learn more about the AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparents program: https://peace-caa.org/programs/fostergrandparent/

Empowering Residents Through Local Government Education

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

PEACE, Inc. was proud to support the first of three “Local Government 101” sessions, sponsored by SOFSA. The session offered community members an engaging introduction to how city, county, and state governments operate and make decisions that impact daily life.

Community leaders Tatiana Parker and Tylah Worrell provided a clear overview of governmental structures and processes, helping participants understand how local policies are developed and implemented. Following the presentation, SOFSA representatives shared practical strategies for residents to use this knowledge to advance food justice in their neighborhoods.

By combining education with actionable tools, the session empowered residents to become more informed, engaged, and active participants in shaping their community. PEACE, Inc. looks forward to supporting the remaining sessions and continuing to strengthen civic knowledge and advocacy in Central New York.

Bright Futures’ Behind the Scenes at WSYR-TV

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

Members of the Bright Futures After School Youth Group from the County South Family Resource Center recently visited WSYR-TV NewsChannel 9 as part of their ongoing career exploration journey. During a private tour, students had the exciting opportunity to watch a live 4:00 p.m. newscast and go behind the scenes of a working television station.

Students met a variety of professionals who help bring the news to life, including anchors, a meteorologist, a sportscaster, a director, and a producer. Through these interactions, they gained a better understanding of the many roles and skills needed to run a successful broadcast and media operation.

The group’s tour was led by Tim Fox, who also spoke with students about local colleges, internships, and potential career paths in broadcasting and media. Experiences like this help young people explore their interests, build confidence, and begin imagining their future goals. We are proud of our Bright Futures students for continuing to learn, grow, and take steps toward their futures.

Want to learn more about the County South Family Resource Center? Visit: www.peace-caa.org/programs/frc/csfrc/

From Vision to Impact: Turning a Passion for Children into a Community Resource

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

PEACE, Inc.’s Early Childhood Career Pathway Program (ECCPP) is proud to celebrate the dedication, vision, and growth of local childcare providers who are making a meaningful impact in their communities. Two inspiring examples are Amanda Maddison, owner of Magical Mischief Daycare in Clay, and Lakeva Williams, owner of Parent-cation, LLC in North Syracuse.

Amanda opened her New York State–registered family daycare with a clear mission: to create a nurturing, structured environment where children could feel safe, supported, and inspired to learn and grow. Her daycare stands as a reflection of resilience and hard work, providing families in Clay with high-quality home-based childcare that supports children, working parents, and the local economy. Amanda’s journey demonstrates how passion, paired with guidance and resources, can turn a personal goal into a valuable community resource.

Similarly, Lakeva has expanded her program from a Registered Family Daycare to a Group Family Daycare, allowing her to serve more children and strengthen support for families in North Syracuse and Cicero. With a remodeled space designed for both comfort and learning, Lakeva’s program exemplifies her commitment to creating a safe, engaging environment. Parent-cation, LLC is also looking to hire a Teacher Assistant, opening new opportunities for those interested in early childhood education.

Both Amanda and Lakeva’s stories highlight the power of the ECCPP in supporting early childhood professionals, fostering quality childcare, and building stronger communities. Their successes are reminders of the difference that dedication, vision, and support can make—not only for children, but for families and the communities they serve.

To learn more about the Early Childhood Career Pathway Program, visit: www.peace-caa.org/programs/frc/eccpp/

Head Start is Wacky, Wonderful and Full of Learning!

by Angel Belford | Mar 4, 2026 | News and Information

Head Start students at Merrick and Sumner had a fun-filled week celebrating Dr. Seuss and the joy of reading. At Merrick Head Start, Rooms 106 and 211 explored the playful rhymes and imaginative stories that have made Dr. Seuss a favorite for generations. Students participated in hands-on activities such as painting colorful hats and dressing up as The Cat in the Hat, bringing the stories to life in the classroom. The celebration was made even more special when one student’s dad joined the class to lead a fun activity, strengthening family engagement and making the week memorable.

Meanwhile, Sumner Head Start, Room 107, celebrated Wacky Wednesday with playful surprises and creative activities that encouraged early literacy and learning. Students dressed in wacky outfits and engaged in fun classroom challenges that made the day exciting while supporting social-emotional growth, imagination, and creativity.

These celebrations highlight how Head Start programs foster a love of learning through engaging, hands-on experiences. By connecting reading, creativity, and family involvement, students not only build early literacy skills but also develop confidence, social skills, and a lifelong excitement for learning.

To learn about the Head Start Program at PEACE, Inc. visit: peace-caa.org/programs/hs/

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

by Angel Belford | 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.