Youth | PEACE, Inc.

Bright Futures Discovers the Work Behind the Beauty of Our Parks

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

The Bright Futures Youth Group at the County South Family Resource Center visited Delphi Falls County Park for a day of outdoor exploration and career discovery.

While enjoying the beauty of the park, youth learned about the many people who work behind the scenes to create, maintain, and improve public spaces. From landscape architects and construction crews to maintenance teams and office staff, participants gained a better understanding of the wide variety of careers that help parks serve communities every day.

The visit offered more than just a chance to enjoy the outdoors. It helped youth see how their interests and skills could connect to future career opportunities. Experiences like this encourage young people to explore new possibilities, learn about different career paths, and discover the many ways they can make a positive impact in their communities.

Mentors Inspire the Next Generation of Caring Leaders

by Angel Belford | May 19, 2026 | News and Information

This year, the PEACE, Inc. Big Brothers Big Sisters Program is placing a strong emphasis on civic engagement, helping youth learn the importance of kindness, respect, and service to others. Through hands-on experiences, Bigs and Littles are exploring how they can make a positive impact in their community while developing valuable leadership skills.

Earlier this month, several Bigs and Littles volunteered with We Rise Above the Streets Inc. during their Sandwich Saturday event. Working together, participants assembled sandwiches, packed lunch bags, and helped distribute meals to community members. The experience gave youth an opportunity to see firsthand how volunteer efforts can support individuals and families in need.

The event provided a meaningful learning experience that demonstrated how even small acts of service can make a lasting difference. By participating in community service projects alongside their mentors, Littles gain a deeper understanding of civic responsibility and the importance of helping others. PEACE, Inc. is grateful to the Bigs who continue to lead by example and inspire the next generation of compassionate and engaged community leaders.

If you would like to become involved with the PEACE, Inc. Big Brother Big Sister Program visit: peace-caa.org/programs/bbbs/

Creating Space for Connection and Confidence

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

The Bright Futures Youth Group at the County South Family Resource Center recently treated the girls in the program to a special manicure outing focused on self-care, confidence, and connection.

Throughout the day, participants enjoyed time together while getting their nails done, sharing conversations, laughter, and encouragement. The outing provided a welcoming environment where the girls could relax, build friendships, and express themselves in a positive and supportive setting.

Activities like this help young people develop self-confidence, strengthen social connections, and recognize the importance of self-care. By creating opportunities for meaningful experiences and personal growth, the Bright Futures Youth Group continues to empower youth and support their overall well-being, one fingernail at a time.

Parents Working Together for Children’s Success

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

Parents and caregivers recently gathered at the PEACE, Inc. Liverpool Head Start location for a parent meeting focused on supporting children's learning and staying connected with activities and opportunities throughout the program.

During the meeting, families learned more about classroom experiences, upcoming events, and ways they can continue encouraging learning and development at home. These conversations help keep families informed and engaged while providing opportunities to share ideas, ask questions, and strengthen connections with educators and staff.

Family involvement is an important part of the Head Start experience. When parents and educators work together, children benefit from consistent support both at home and in the classroom. PEACE, Inc. is grateful to the parents and caregivers who took the time to participate and invest in their children's educational journey. Their involvement helps create a strong foundation for learning, growth, and future success.

Exploring Nature with the Bright Futures Youth Group

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

The PEACE, Inc. County South Family Resource Center Bright Futures Youth Group recently spent time outdoors at Labrador Hollow, enjoying a day surrounded by fresh air, scenic views, and nature trails. The group took advantage of the beautiful weather to step away from their usual routines and connect with the natural environment.

During the visit, youth explored the trails, shared conversations, and enjoyed time together as they experienced the outdoors as a group. The day offered opportunities for relaxation, laughter, and meaningful connection with peers in a peaceful setting close to home.

Experiences like this help youth build friendships, strengthen social connections, and develop an appreciation for nature and healthy recreation. Activities such as these also support positive youth development by encouraging exploration, confidence, and a sense of belonging within the community.

West Genesee Students Support Community Through Volunteer Service

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

The PEACE, Inc. Free Tax Prep Program recently recognized students from the West Genesee Honor Society for their outstanding volunteer service during this year’s tax preparation season.

The students contributed more than 90 hours of volunteer time, helping community members complete tax returns and access an important financial resource. Their support helped make free tax preparation services more accessible for local families and individuals throughout the community.

Volunteer efforts like these play an important role in strengthening community support systems and helping neighbors access valuable services. The dedication shown by the West Genesee Honor Society students reflects the positive impact young people can have when they give back through service and community action.

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/

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