Encouragement, strength, peace and understanding will be the focus of the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley’s 12th annual prayer breakfast to be held from 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29 at New Beginnings Community Church, 227 Genesee St. in Wampsville.

Tickets are $20 per person and available on the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley website, ymcatrivalley.org or at the Oneida and Rome branches.

All proceeds benefit the YMCA’s Changing Lives Scholarship Program.

Through prayer, motivational messages and music, Individuals from different backgrounds, ideals and faiths will come together to bring a renewed perspective on hope, life and community.

The event features guest speaker Garang Ajak, a former refugee from South Sudan and program manager at the Center for Dialogue and Action InterFaith Works of CNY, Syracuse. Ajak obtained his undergraduate political science and international relations degrees from State University of New York at Geneseo and a master’s of public administration from Villanova University.

The Saint Anuaritte Congolee Choir, from All Saints Catholic Church in Syracuse, and the Ukrainian Vocal Ensemble Kalyna, St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church, Syracuse, will perform.

The Ukrainian Vocal Ensemble Kalyna was formed in 2016 by Svitlana Bidna. Former refugees, the group shares their gift of music and hope to all who hear their message.

“Our choral group’s name includes ‘Kalyna,’ the name of a Ukrainian bush that blooms with white flowers that turn into red berries,” Bidna explained.

The kalyna bush is a symbol that has been associated with Ukrainian culture since ancient times.

Twenty-five teenagers and adults, originally from the Congo, make up the Saint Anuaritte Congolee Choir.

“We use our voices to worship God and help others pray,” said choir director Justin Ndayambaje.

“This event holds a special place in the hearts of the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley, our partners at New Beginnings Church, our community and all who support it,” said YMCA CEO Hank Leo. “It brings the Y’s mission and purpose to life and brings peace to those who attend.”

All proceeds from the breakfast support the YMCA’s scholarship fund that helps individuals who are not able to participate in programs, memberships and services at the Y.

“We believe that the YMCA should be available to all, regardless of inability to pay,” Leo added.

This year’s Prayer Breakfast sponsors include BME, Community Bank, NBT Bank, Chobani and LaQuinta Inns and Suites.