When Alicia Manor needed assistance, she went to P.E.A.C.E. Inc., receiving the step up she needed to improve herself. As the new coordinator at the Baldwinsville P.E.A.C.E., she is now able to pay it forward.
“This is my way of giving back to this organization because it was here when I needed it,” Manor said. “I understand the clients and a lot of their situations [because] I needed help at one point, so I can relate to them.”
Manor took over as coordinator of the County West Family Resource Center in Baldwinsville, one of several P.E.A.C.E., Inc. facilities located throughout Central New York, on Nov. 14. Her responsibilities include overseeing the center, programs and reports; tracking volunteers and other staff; and maintaining the center and community outreach efforts. She brings more than 10 years of experience to the position having previously worked with families through BASCO, the YMCA and Elmcrest Children’s Center.
Manor isn’t the only new face at County West. She is joined by Joanne Wynings, the new family advocate at the center, and Dani Colman, a job replacement specialist, which is a 15-month position funded through government grants. Colman provides employment assistance and outreach initiatives including helping individuals with job search skills, resume writing and computer classes.
Staff member Joanne Demmerle also has an office at County West, operating the early head start and head start programs. While both Demmerle and Colman’s offices are located at the Baldwinsville facility, the two women work mostly outside the office.
The women come to the positions after a period of several abrupt changes. First, the facility’s family advocate left the position, leaving the former coordinator running the facility single-handedly. After several months, she also left the position leaving the center without a coordinator for a few months. According to Manor, a lot of people got the wrong impression during these events.
“We want people to know we are still here and ready to help,” she said adding her short-term goals are to get programs up and running again. “Although we are all new, the facility is still the same, friendly place it has always been. We are keeping the warmth and adding efficiency.”
Manor’s long-term goals are to identify and obtain more resources to serve the Baldwinsville community.
“This is a great place to come for people who just don’t know what to do. We have good advocates and we do everything,” Manor said.
“Everything” includes offering a GED program, help with tax return preparation and filling out food stamps, insurance and housing applications. There is also a food pantry and treasure go round (free clothing) for those in need, counseling and after school programs. In fact, the facility will hold open registration from 4 to 4:30 p.m. March 2 for its Kidz Rule program (Baldwinsville residents only), which is an after school program for kindergarten through seventh graders. Youth in eighth through 12th grades can also join as volunteers and mentors.
“[Interested parties] just need to bring proof of address and we will go over all of the details during registration,” Manor said.
With only two staff members on-site regularly, the facility operates heavily with volunteers and Manor wants to make sure they are recognized for all their efforts.
“We would like to thank the community and volunteers for all their help and support,” Manor said. “Everyone has been wonderful through the transition.”
P.E.A.C.E. (People’s Equal Action and Community Effort), Inc. is a non-profit independent organization that receives grants from various entities. It has been the designated community action agency for Onondaga County since 1968 and strives to help people in the community realize their potential for becoming self-sufficient through a multitude of programs serving infants to seniors. The County West Family Resource Center is located at 93 Syracuse St. in the village of Baldwinsville. For more information about programs, call 638-1051.
Coordinator Alicia Manor, center, along with Joanne Wynings, left, and Dani Coleman are the new staff providing assistance to Baldwinsville residents through PEACE Inc. County West Family Resource Center located in Noble’s Plaza in the village. Behind them, the wall displays the facility’s charge: “Our mission is to help people in the community realize their potential for becoming self-sufficient.”
Programs
- Big Brothers Big Sisters
Head Start/Early Head Start
Project Connection
Project ROSE
KICK Camp
Energy & Housing Services
Family & Community Development
Foster Grandparent Program
Food Service Division
