Youth | PEACE, Inc.

Local Partners Help Children Start the School Year Ready for Success

by Angel Belford | Aug 29, 2026 | News and Information

The fifth annual Health and Wellness Event brought together PEACE, Inc., Syracuse Housing Authority, CARE, the Brady Faith Center, and Meals on Wheels to connect families with important health, wellness, education, and community resources. Held in Syracuse on August 29, the event welcomed approximately 750 community members and featured 40 vendors offering services and information to local families. This was the first year PEACE, Inc. joined the partnership, helping expand the resources available to children and families in the community.

As part of the event, PEACE, Inc. provided more than 560 backpacks, along with school supplies, to help local children prepare for the new school year. Families also had access to a variety of other services and resources, including eye exams, hair braiding, health and wellness information, and other community supports. In addition, 900 pounds of fresh produce was distributed to attendees, providing families with nutritious food to take home.

The event demonstrated the impact that can be made when community organizations work together toward a shared goal. By bringing so many agencies and resources together in one place, the Health and Wellness Event helped families access services that support their health, well-being, and success. For children, having the supplies they need for school can help them feel prepared and confident as they begin a new year. PEACE, Inc. is grateful to Syracuse Housing Authority and all of the community partners who came together to support local families and help create opportunities for children to start the school year on a strong foundation.

CNY Central covered the event and highlighted the community’s strong turnout and the 900 pounds of produce distributed. Read the full news story to learn more about the event and the organizations that came together to support the community: CNY Central News Story

Bigs and Littles Come Together to Give Back

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

The PEACE, Inc. Big Brothers Big Sisters Program recently brought Littles and their Big mentors together for a meaningful Day of Caring focused on community service and giving back. The event provided an opportunity for the children to work alongside their mentors while learning about the importance of being caring, responsible, and engaged members of their community.

During the service project, the Littles worked together to sort and package new clothing that will be donated to local children’s programs throughout Onondaga County. As they worked, they also shared thoughtful suggestions for local organizations they would like to support in the future. Their ideas showed how eager they are to find ways to help others and make a positive difference in their community.

The young volunteers accomplished a great deal, packing 20 large bags of clothing to be distributed throughout Onondaga County. To add an extra personal touch, the Littles wrote encouraging notes to place inside each bag. These messages of kindness helped make the donations even more meaningful for the children who will receive them.

The Day of Caring was a wonderful example of how community service can help young people build important life skills while making a positive impact. Through opportunities like this, Big Brothers Big Sisters helps Littles develop confidence, responsibility, compassion, and a stronger connection to their community.

To learn more about the Big Brother Big Sister program visit: peace-caa.org/programs/bbbs/

Helping Children and Families Start the School Year Strong

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

Families came together at the Viola G. Chisholm Eastside Family Resource Center for a Back-to-School Giveaway designed to help children and families prepare for the new school year. The event provided families with a variety of resources to help make the transition back to school a little easier.

Over 70 children were able to choose from backpacks, school supplies, clothing, books, board games, and snacks. These resources gave children helpful items for the classroom while also providing families with additional support as they prepared for the year ahead.

The Back-to-School Giveaway was also an opportunity for families to come together and connect with their community. PEACE, Inc. is grateful to everyone who helped make the event possible and to the families who joined the Eastside Family Resource Center. Events like this help provide children with the resources they need to feel prepared, confident, and ready for a successful school year.

To learn more about Family Services visit: peace-caa.org/programs/frc/

Littles Shine at BBBS Back-to-School Fashion Show

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

The Big Brother Big Sister Back-to-School Fashion Show gave local Littles a fun and memorable way to get ready for the new school year. The event brought children together to celebrate their new school clothes while creating an experience focused on confidence, self-expression, and positive connections.

During the fashion show, Littles had the opportunity to show off their new outfits from Macy’s and take their turn in the spotlight. More than simply showcasing new clothes, the event encouraged children to feel proud of themselves, comfortable in their own style, and confident as they prepare to return to school. Experiences like this can help children develop confidence that carries with them beyond the event and into the classroom, their relationships, and other areas of their lives.

PEACE, Inc. is grateful to Macy’s and Destiny USA for partnering with Big Brother Big Sister to make this special event possible. Community partnerships provide opportunities for children to experience encouragement, build important life skills, and recognize their own potential. By creating positive experiences that support growth and confidence, events like the Back-to-School Fashion Show help Littles take another step toward becoming the best version of themselves.

Learn more about the Big Brother Big Sister program here: peace-caa.org/programs/bbbs/

Supporting Students on Their Path to Success

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

PEACE, Inc.’s County West Family Resource Center is proud to congratulate Sadie Misner on being awarded the Pastor Joe Folckemer Scholarship. Sadie is a senior at C. W. Baker High School in Baldwinsville, New York, and is preparing for the next step in her educational journey.

Sadie has a special connection to the scholarship and the PEACE, Inc. community. She is the granddaughter of Pastor Joe Folckemer, who the scholarship honors, and the daughter of Stephanie Misner, a PEACE, Inc. Liverpool UPK teacher.

The scholarship recognizes Sadie’s accomplishments while celebrating the lasting impact of family, education, and community support. PEACE, Inc. is proud to celebrate this achievement with Sadie and wishes her continued success as she looks toward her future.

Let Me Be Great Explores Birds of Prey

by Angel Belford | Jul 29, 2026 | News and Information

The Let Me Be Great summer program out of the Viola G. Chisholm Eastside Family Resource Center recently enjoyed an exciting day of outdoor learning at Green Lakes State Park. As part of the Ladders to the Outdoors program, organized by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the group attended a live birds-of-prey presentation led by Cindy Page of the Page Wildlife Center.

During the presentation, the children met five remarkable birds of prey, including a kestrel, eastern screech owl, barn owl, barred owl, and turkey vulture. They also learned how the Page Wildlife Center rehabilitates injured birds and helps many return to their natural habitats. The hands-on experience gave the children a unique opportunity to learn about wildlife conservation while exploring the outdoors.

Programs like this encourage children to ask questions, appreciate nature more, and better understand the importance of protecting local wildlife. Through meaningful experiences outside the classroom, the Let Me Be Great program continues to help young people grow, learn, and discover the world around them.

To learn more about the summer program, visit: peace-caa.org/programs/esfrc

Exploring New Challenges at Orenda Springs

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

Children from the OPWDD After School Program at the PEACE, Inc. Viola G. Chisholm Eastside Family Resource Center recently spent an exciting day at Orenda Springs Experiential Learning Center. The visit gave participants the opportunity to challenge themselves through a variety of outdoor adventure activities, including obstacle courses and an exhilarating ride down the zipline.

Throughout the day, the children encouraged one another as they climbed, balanced, and worked their way through each challenge. Many of the activities pushed them beyond their comfort zones, giving them the chance to try something new in a supportive and encouraging environment. Their excitement and sense of accomplishment grew with every obstacle they completed, making the experience both fun and rewarding.

Experiences like these help children build confidence, resilience, and trust in their own abilities while creating lasting memories with their peers. For many participants, the trip also provided the opportunity to enjoy activities they may not otherwise have the chance to experience, reinforcing the value of expanding horizons through positive, hands-on learning and adventure.

Growing Through Outdoor Experiences

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

Children participating in the PEACE, Inc. Viola G. Chisholm Eastside Family Resource Center’s Let Me Be Great Summer Program enjoyed a beautiful day at Green Lakes State Park, where they had the opportunity to learn how to kayak while exploring the park’s scenic waters.

With guidance and encouragement, participants practiced paddling, built their confidence on the water, and experienced the excitement of trying something new. The outing also gave them the chance to enjoy the outdoors, work together, and create lasting memories with friends.

Experiences like this are an important part of the Let Me Be Great Summer Program. By introducing children to new activities and encouraging them to step outside their comfort zones, the program helps foster confidence, teamwork, and a lifelong appreciation for the many recreational opportunities available throughout our community.

Canoes, Campfires, and Curious Minds

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

Participants in the Girls Circle Group at the PEACE, Inc. Viola G. Chisholm Eastside Family Resource Center recently spent an exciting day at the Taconic Outdoor Education Center, where they embraced the outdoors through a variety of fun and educational activities. The trip encouraged exploration, teamwork, and a deeper appreciation for nature.

Throughout the day, the girls enjoyed canoeing, making s’mores, spotting turtles, and participating in hands-on learning experiences. Each activity offered opportunities to build new skills, gain confidence, and strengthen friendships while enjoying the beauty of the natural environment. The combination of adventure and education made the outing both meaningful and memorable.

Experiences like these help young people develop confidence, curiosity, and strong connections with one another. By providing opportunities to learn outside the classroom, the Viola G. Chisholm Eastside Family Resource Center continues to support youth as they discover new interests, build lifelong skills, and create lasting memories.

Summer Adventures Start at Fair Haven State Park

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

The Viola G. Chisholm Eastside Family Resource Center’s Let Me Be Great Summer Program is back for another exciting season, and participants are already making lasting memories. The first adventure of the summer took the group to Fair Haven State Park, where the children enjoyed a refreshing day outdoors surrounded by the beauty of nature.

Participants spent the day cooling off in the lake, splashing in the water, and enjoying time together in the summer sunshine. The trip gave children the opportunity to explore a new environment, stay active, and build friendships while having fun in a safe and supportive setting.

This visit is just the first of many exciting experiences planned throughout the summer. Through educational outings, recreational activities, and opportunities to explore the community, the Let Me Be Great Summer Program helps young people develop confidence, create meaningful connections, and discover new interests while making memories that will last long after summer ends.