Jax Gives 2017

Sunday, November 12, 2017 · THE TIMES-UNION J-15
jacksonville gives
PACE CENTER FOR GIRLS
PACE
Continued from J-9
ternoon. But, Pace is more
than science and English
classes and computer labs.
Along with an excellent
education, it provides the
tools for a better future
through counseling, training
and advocacy.
“Nearly all of our girls
come to us behind in
school; many are in foster
homes,” said Kimberly
Reed, executive director
of Pace Jacksonville. “In
addition, they may have
been physically, sexually
or mentally abused. They
may have parents who are
incarcerated or who have a
substance abuse problem.
The girls themselves may
have substance abuse problems.
“Each girl has a different
story. So, we use a strengthbased
approach that stresses
what her strengths are,
what she’s doing right. Of
course, we address what’s
wrong as well, but we do it
in an environment of safety
and understanding. And,
most importantly, we teach
coping mechanisms, so the
girls learn to change their
own behavior and understand
why they would want
to, rather than the school
just telling them to obey
the rules. We hold them accountable
and, at the same
time, show them why being
accountable will lead to a
happier future.”
The usual stay at Pace is
15 months, but can be extended
if necessary. The
school has separate sections
for middle and highschool
girls, and classes
are kept very small, with
a maximum of 14 students
for evey one teacher.
“The girls all receive individual
attention in their
studies, and the all-girl
environment keeps everything
focused on how a
girl’s brain works,” Reed
said. “But our care doesn’t
end in the classroom. We
have a full counseling department
with an on-staff
therapist and psychiatric
services. The girls have
total access to counseling
during the day and to
emergency services in the
evenings.”
Breakfast and lunch are
served every day, and Pace
has an on-site health clinic
two days a week.
“Many of these girls do
not receive the normal
physicals and immunizations
— some receive no
health care at all,” Reed
said. “So we offer both
preventive and emergency
services. They can see
someone right here and
get a prescription the same
day. For these services, we
partner with the Department
of Health and receive
some funding from Baptist
Health, too.”
There also are extendedday
enrichment activities
— such as art, dance and
cooking — offered after
school hours have ended.
“Many of these classes
are taught by volunteers
— we have the best volunteers!”
Reed said. “All
One-on-one instruction and the latest technology are part of the Pace Center for Girls Jacksonville, but along with an excellent education, Pace
provides the tools for a better future through counseling, training and advocacy. (Photos provided by Pace Center for Girls)
the artwork throughout
the property has been donated
by female artists, so
we enforce the idea that
women are just as important
and talented as men
in this world. But, we have
male teachers, too, because
it’s important that our
girls have positive male
role models, which many
of them do not have at
home.”
Pace is applauded by the
Florida Department of Juvenile
Justice as a preventive
program. Pace also
partners with the Duval
County Public Schools, so
there is never any charge
“Believing in girls” is the motto and the driving force
behind Pace Center. Pace believes that every girl
“deserves an opportunity to find her voice, achieve her
potential and celebrate a life defined by responsibility,
dignity, serenity and grace,” as set forth in its statement
of philosophy.
to the girls or their parents.
When a girl is ready to
transition back to public
school, there is a program
set up to help her deal with
the changes.
These services follow
her for three full years after
she leaves Pace, offering
help and information
during this time period.
The help is extended to the
girl’s family as well as to
the girl herself.
And the Pace approach
works. In fiscal year 2016,
170 girls, with an average
age of 15, were served at
Pace. Prior to attending
Pace, 62 percent were failing
one or more classes,
and 28 percent had a prior
arrest.
Within one year of leaving
Pace, 91 percent had
no involvement with the
criminal justice system, 94
percent improved academically
and 97 percent were
in school, higher education
or employed.
Of the three girls cited
earlier, one is preparing to
graduate from high school,
one has graduated from
college and one will soon
graduate from law school!
The last graduation at
Pace was held in June of
2017, with 26 girls graduating.
Some of the graduates
receive scholarships
to help them further their
education.
“Having Jacksonville
University right across the
street is a wonderful reminder
to the girls of just
what is possible,” Reed
said. “A generous Jacksonville
family started the
Healy Foundation, which
provides scholarships for
Pace girls to attend J.U.
“I have found that generosity
like that is typical
of the Jacksonville community,
which is one of
the friendliest and most
welcoming I’m ever seen.
When I came to Jacksonville
six months ago from
Philadelphia, I had been
with the Girls Scouts for 25
years. But, I immediately
felt the hospitality of this
city and of Pace. It made
me feel that I am a part
of something bigger and
am making a difference in
Florida. I was moved by
the mission at Pace, and
knew I needed to be a part
of it.”