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Peace, INC. Brings Peace to Onondaga Peace in Onondaga

Peace, INC. is seeing an increase in visitors

By Morgan Trau

Group of people smiling in front of sign
© 2019 Morgan Trau

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) —The first time John Wallace heard the Peace, INC.’s store door bells, he says he hit rock bottom.

“I had a suicide attempt, and that brought… That brought me here,” Said John, getting lost in his thoughts.

John is one of the hundreds of people Peace, INC. County West helps a week. The organization provides food, clothing, and other necessities to those in need.

Center Coordinator Michelle Kasprzak and Family Advocate Barbara Deschamps say with the increase in the Syracuse poverty rate, there’s an increase in visitors, who can have ranging requests.

“Something simple as, ‘can I have a loaf of bread,’ all the way up to ‘I’m homeless and I need housing,” said Barbara, while Michelle nodded along.

Bread on table
Remaining loaves of bread from the morning.
© 2019 Morgan Trau

The hygiene section of Peace, INC’s food pantry have some items are more in demand than others: diapers, shampoo, sanitary products, things that food stamps don’t cover – but Peace has it here.

And though their pantry was stocked then, the materials go quick. Volunteers helping and donating keep the center running.

“I never thought I would volunteer, I need money,” said John.

With the support from Peace INC., his parents, and getting some money from his pension, he kept coming back. But this time, as a volunteer.

“I thought I wasn’t pretty much not going to amount to anything to my life, and this place changed all of that,” John said about his experience with the organization. This is kinda like my way of giving back.”

John’s volunteering has turned into a paid position, but he says he would be there regardless – because he knows that right now, the community just needs some help.

 

Man standing by wall art.
John stood by his “favorite quote” in the center.
© 2004 Morgan Trau

“Did you see the sign? It says ‘anything is possible if you believe,’ and I believe it,” John said. “I truly believe it.”

If you or a loved one are in need of assistance, please contact Peace, INC.

 

Main Office:

PEACE, Inc.
People’s Equal Action and Community Effort, Inc.
217 South Salina Street, 2nd Floor
Syracuse, NY 13202

Phone: 315.470.3300
Fax: 315.688.0309
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

 

If you or a loved one want to donate, here is a list of their most requested items:

  • Canned Products
  • Meat
  • Proteins
  • Frozen Foods
  • Cereal
  • Snacks for Kids
  • Diapers (Adult and Child)
  • Sanitary Products
  • Toothbrushes
  • Paper Towels
  • Wipes
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Soap

TRANSCRIPT:

REPORTER MORGAN TRAU: The first time John Wallace heard those bells, he says he hit rock bottom.

JOHN WALLACE: “I had a suicide attempt, and that brought… That brought me here.”

REPORTER MORGAN TRAU: John is one of the hundreds of people peace, inc. County west helps a week. The organization provides food, clothing, and other necessities to those in need. Center Coordinator Michelle Kasprzak and Family Advocate Barbara Deschamps say with the increase in the Syracuse poverty rate, there’s an increase in visitors, who can have ranging requests.

BARBARA DESCHAMPS: “Something simple as, ‘can I have a loaf of bread,’ all the way up to ‘I’m homeless and I need housing.”

REPORTER MORGAN TRAU: “I’m in the hygiene section of Peace, INC.’s food pantry where some items are more in demand than others: diapers, shampoo, sanitary products, things that food stamps don’t cover – they have it here.”

REPORTER MORGAN TRAU: And though their pantry seems stocked right now, the materials go quick. Volunteers helping and donating keep the center running.

JOHN WALLACE: “I never thought I would volunteer, I need money”

REPORTER MORGAN TRAU: With the support from Peace, INC., his parents, and getting some money from his pension, he kept coming back. But this time, as a volunteer.

JOHN WALLACE: “I thought I wasn’t pretty much not going to amount to anything to my life, and this place changed all of that. This is kinda like my way of giving back.”

REPORTER MORGAN TRAU: John’s volunteering has turned into a paid position, but he says he would be there regardless – because he knows that right now, the community just needs some help. Morgan Trau, NCC News.

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