Youth | PEACE, Inc.

A Hungry Caterpillar Adventure at Head Start

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

PEACE, Inc. Head Start Preschool and Early Head Start recently hosted a fun-filled evening for their annual Same Book Event, bringing families together to celebrate a shared love of reading. This year’s theme, The Hungry Caterpillar, inspired a variety of hands-on activities and creative crafts that engaged children and encouraged learning through play.

Families enjoyed a welcoming environment where they could read, create, and connect with one another. The event provided meaningful opportunities for children to explore literacy in a fun and interactive way while strengthening the connection between home and school.

The evening also included a special visit from Congressman John W. Mannion, who greeted staff, children, and parents and took time to explore the activities. He also spoke with students from Liverpool High School, adding to the excitement and making the event even more memorable for everyone involved.

Events like the Same Book Event highlight the importance of early literacy and family engagement in a child’s development. By bringing families, educators, and community members together, PEACE, Inc. continues to create meaningful experiences that support learning, strengthen connections, and inspire a lifelong love of reading.

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

Paws and Paint: Bright Futures Creates Pet Portraits

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

The Bright Futures After School Group from the County South Family Resource Center had a creative and engaging experience with their latest project, painting “Pet Portraits.” Families shared photos of their children’s favorite pets, giving students the opportunity to turn meaningful memories into works of art.

Each young artist worked carefully to capture their pet’s unique personality on canvas. From playful dogs to cozy cats, the paintings were filled with color, creativity, and attention to detail. The activity encouraged self-expression while helping students build confidence in their artistic abilities.

Projects like this highlight the importance of creativity in youth development. By connecting art with personal experiences, students are able to express themselves, strengthen emotional connections, and celebrate the special bonds they share with their pets.

Learn more about the County South Family Resource Center: peace-caa.org/programs/frc/csfrc/

Community Partnership Drives Investment in Early Childhood Programs

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

PEACE, Inc. proudly participated in the kickoff of Micron Technology’s Syracuse-area Community Week, marking an exciting moment for investment and partnership in our region. During the event, Micron announced $35 million in local investments, including a $200,000 award to support PEACE, Inc.’s Early Childhood Career Pathways Program (ECCPP).

Through a strong partnership with Child Care Solutions, ECCPP continues to make a meaningful impact in Onondaga County. The program helps expand access to quality child care by training early childhood professionals and supporting individuals who are working to open licensed home family daycares. These efforts not only create new child care slots but also strengthen the local workforce.

This investment reflects a shared commitment to building a stronger, more supportive community. By increasing access to child care and creating career pathways, ECCPP helps individuals move toward self-sufficiency while meeting a critical need for families across the region.

For more about Micron’s investments, visit:
https://buff.ly/DLflbJe

For more about Micron’s Syracuse-area Community Week, visit:
https://buff.ly/dG7qnv4

Empowering Youth to See Their ‘Bright Futures’

by Angel Belford | Mar 24, 2026 | News and Information

The Bright Futures After School Group from the County South Family Resource Center recently explored creativity and self-expression through a meaningful “Who I Am” collage activity. Students began by using a light source to create shadows of their profiles, which were then traced and carefully cut out.

From there, each student filled their silhouette with images, colors, and words that represent their identity, interests, and goals. This hands-on project encouraged youth to reflect on who they are while building confidence and expressing themselves in a creative way.

Activities like this play an important role in helping young people develop a strong sense of self and purpose. At PEACE, Inc., we are proud to support our youth as they grow, discover their strengths, and move toward bright and limitless futures.

To learn more about the Bright Futures after school program visit: www.peace-caa.org/programs/frc/csfrc/

Bigs and Littles Make Rainbows

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

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, the Big Brothers Big Sisters school-based program at Central Square Central School District celebrated with a fun, hands-on activity. Bigs from Paul V. Moore High School teamed up with their Littles from Millard Hawk Elementary School to create edible treats, following the rainbow all the way to the pot of gold.

The activity was both festive and engaging, allowing Bigs and Littles to spend quality time together while practicing teamwork, creativity, and friendship. It was a sweet and memorable day that highlighted the joy and connection mentoring can bring to students of all ages.

To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters visit: www.peace-caa.org/programs/bbbs/

Blooming with Creativity in Roxboro

by Angel Belford | Mar 16, 2026 | News and Information

Roxboro Head Start, Room 106 has been bringing learning to life by exploring the world of plants through a creative dramatic play flower shop and engaging classroom activities. Students used their imaginations as they stepped into different roles, practicing skills like working the register, taking orders, building bouquets, and gardening.

Through these hands-on experiences, children developed important social and communication skills while learning about plants and how they grow. The use of props and role-playing encouraged teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity in a fun and meaningful way.

Activities like this highlight how play-based learning helps children grow academically and socially, making the classroom a place where learning is both exciting and memorable.

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

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/

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/

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/