Senior Recognition Lunch Honors Community Members

Senior Recognition Lunch Honors Community Members

PEACE, Inc. Senior Nutrition recently welcomed community members to the Jordan Senior Center for a special Senior Recognition Lunch, bringing seniors together for an afternoon of celebration, connection, and appreciation.

Guests enjoyed a delicious meal while spending time with friends and neighbors. The event also featured live music, creating a festive atmosphere and providing entertainment throughout the afternoon. Laughter, conversation, and shared experiences helped make the gathering a memorable occasion for everyone in attendance.

The Senior Recognition Lunch was an opportunity to honor the seniors who contribute so much to our community through their experiences, support, and involvement. PEACE, Inc. is grateful to everyone who attended and helped make the event a success. Gatherings like these help strengthen social connections, foster a sense of belonging, and celebrate the important role seniors play in our community.

If you would like to learn more about the Senior Nutrition Program visit: peace-caa.org/programs/senior-nutrition/

Expanding Access to Senior Nutrition Services

Expanding Access to Senior Nutrition Services

PEACE, Inc. Senior Nutrition proudly celebrated the opening of its newest senior lunch location at Southern Missionary Baptist Church in Syracuse. This new site expands opportunities for older adults to enjoy nutritious meals while connecting with friends, neighbors, and community resources.

Lunches are now available on the second and fourth Fridays of each month, creating a welcoming space where community members can gather, share a meal, and build meaningful relationships. The new location reflects PEACE, Inc.’s ongoing commitment to supporting older adults and reducing social isolation through programs that encourage connection and engagement.

By expanding access to senior meals and community support, the Senior Nutrition Program continues to help older adults stay active, connected, and engaged. We look forward to welcoming participants to this new location and strengthening the sense of community that makes these gatherings so meaningful.

To find a PEACE, Inc. Senior Nutrition lunch location near you visit: peace-caa.org/programs/senior-nutrition/

Honoring Mothers Through Community and Connection

Honoring Mothers Through Community and Connection

The Camillus Senior Center welcomed community members for a special PEACE, Inc. Senior Nutrition Mother’s Day Lunch celebrating the mothers, grandmothers, and caregivers who play an important role in supporting families and strengthening the community.

Guests enjoyed a warm meal, meaningful conversations, and time together in a welcoming and festive environment. The gathering gave seniors and community members an opportunity to connect, share stories, and recognize the care and support that mothers and caregivers provide every day.

Events like the Mother’s Day Lunch help build community connections and reduce social isolation for older adults. Through the Senior Nutrition Program, PEACE, Inc. continues to create opportunities for seniors to come together, enjoy nutritious meals, and strengthen relationships within the community.

Seniors Gather for Festive Lunch in Skaneateles

Seniors Gather for Festive Lunch in Skaneateles

The Skaneateles PEACE, Inc. Senior Lunch recently brought community members together for a festive Cinco de Mayo celebration. Seniors gathered to enjoy a themed lunch filled with delicious food, conversation, and a welcoming atmosphere that encouraged connection and fellowship.

Throughout the event, participants spent time socializing, sharing stories, and celebrating together. Activities like these provide meaningful opportunities for older adults to stay engaged, build friendships, and enjoy time within the community.

Events hosted through the PEACE, Inc. Senior Nutrition Program help reduce social isolation while creating joyful experiences for seniors. By bringing people together through shared meals and celebrations, the program continues to strengthen community connections and support the well-being of older adults.

Celebrating Camillus Senior Center Volunteers

Celebrating Camillus Senior Center Volunteers

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/

Congressman Mannion Meets PEACE, Inc. Seniors!

Congressman Mannion Meets PEACE, Inc. Seniors!

PEACE, Inc. was honored to welcome Congressman John W. Mannion to the Frank DeFrancisco Eastwood Community Center, where he spent time meeting with our senior participants and AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program volunteers. During his visit, the Congressman shared updates from across the district and expressed his appreciation for the Foster Grandparents’ dedicated service to children and classrooms in our community.

Congressman Mannion also took time to listen to the seniors’ questions and concerns, engaging in a thoughtful conversation that meant a great deal to those in attendance. We are grateful for his willingness to connect directly with our neighbors and for his support of programs that strengthen families and communities.

If you would like more information about the AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program visit;
www.peace-caa.org/programs/fostergrandparent/

Eastwood Community Center Annual Senior Picnic

Eastwood Community Center Annual Senior Picnic

PEACE, Inc.’s Eastwood Community Center recently hosted its Annual Senior Picnic, bringing together local seniors for a joyful day of food, laughter, and connection. With beautiful weather, delicious meals, and great company, the event celebrated the strength and spirit of the community. It was a heartwarming reminder of the importance of gathering, sharing stories, and building relationships. A sincere thank you to everyone who joined and helped make the day so special!

PEACE, Inc. Pauses its AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program effective immediately

PEACE, Inc. Pauses its AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program effective immediately

It is with great sadness to announce that PEACE, Inc. will pause its AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program, effective immediately.

This decision does not come lightly. While AmeriCorps Seniors approved PEACE, Inc.’s 3-year renewal application for federal funding year 2025, the awarded dollars continue to be impounded by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This impoundment is affecting every AmeriCorps Seniors program across the country that has been approved for a 3-year contract renewal. Like others then, the PEACE, Inc. Foster Grandparent Program cannot continue our important work until the funds are released.

This is an especially troubling development for a city like Syracuse, where poverty among seniors has skyrocketed over the past 15 years and childhood poverty is the worst in the nation. Since 1972, the PEACE, Inc. Foster Grandparent Program has allowed low-income senior volunteers to share their time and talents by mentoring at-risk children in our community. This school year, 68 Foster Grandparents volunteers provided one-to-one attention, encouragement, and support to 225 Syracuse City School District (SCSD) and Head Start children who needed assistance overcoming social-emotional and academic challenges. Likewise, the volunteers themselves gained renewed purpose, companionship, and a modest stipend that helped ease financial strain. The program’s impact is indisputable:

  • 81% of participating students exhibited improved social-emotional skills due partly to the time spent with Foster Grandparents. For one SCSD principal, “the Foster Grandparent Program at Delaware Primary is thriving and making a positive impact on the classes they serve and our school community as a whole.”
  • 92% of their Foster Grandparents reported their mental and emotional health had improved due to the program, underscoring how giving back can be just as transformative as receiving help. For one volunteer, “the program has given me a reason to get up and going. I love the kids and they give me such joy. I have a purpose in my life now.”

If you want this important work to continue, please contact your local United States Congressman. Ask them to contact OMB and to release funds for AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Programs such as PEACE, Inc. For those who desire it, a letter template is available here.

Press Release

It’s Harvest time!

It’s Harvest time!

Our seniors at the Bob Cecile Center enjoyed their annual feast together last week! We celebrate our community and seniors, sharing a hearty meal and wonderful company. What a special way to give thanks this season!

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