The POWER of Pace

Brianna was having a difficult time coping with her past traumas. It was so intense that she developed a substance abuse dependency. Deflated and without any positive outlets, she ended up at Girls Court. Luckily, once referred to Pace Center for Girls, her spirit began to ignite once again. During her intake interview, Brianna said with confidence, “I want to do better and be better,” and that is exactly what she did. Through Pace Reach, Brianna has intentionally worked on strengthening her communication and coping skills and has begun practicing and applying techniques to heighten her authentic self. With encouragement, Brianna has started her own art business while developing her art expression skills, taking artwork requests from various customers. She has improved her school attendance, raised her grades to all A’s and B’s, and graduated high school this past June.

"I came to Pace eight months ago because I was skipping classes every day and running away from home. I decided to attend Pace because I didn’t want my path to look like the ones my parents went down. Since I started at Pace, I have improved my grades, joined the Girls Leadership Council, and participated in events such as Pace Day at the Capitol. I have been provided many opportunities to develop leadership skills and stretch out of my comfort zone. When I complete my time at Pace, I plan to graduate from my home school and attend a college to major in art. After graduating from college, I plan to start a career as a tattoo artist."

When Kimberlee came to Pace Collier, she was very closed off, irritable, and angry. Her mother and grandfather had recently passed away and her father was in jail. She did not want to talk to anyone or participate in class. She slowly started opening up to her counselor last summer and they have created a strong partnership. She has become more focused, dedicated to her schoolwork, and improved her attitude. "I never thought I would go to therapy but here I am. Pace has helped me find my confidence and motivation in life. I had suicidal thoughts before meeting our therapist, Ms. Jama. I talked to her and she helped me. I don't talk to many people about my personal life but I talk to her. Don't give up yet, life has just started."

"My life took a turn when my parents separated my freshman year of high school. Despite having to move away with my dad and his girlfriend, I excelled in school and was even taking senior classes and getting college credit during my junior year. Then, my dad suddenly decided that he no longer wanted to support me. I moved frequently, staying with various family members in different states. I got so far behind I just dropped out of school. I made my way back to Florida and enrolled in Pace, where I found the help and support system I needed to excel again. I represented my district in the City of Pensacola Youth Council, was on the Girls Leadership Council and gave the commencement speech at my class of 2021 graduation. I’m now enrolled at Pensacola State College and plan to pursue a career in the medical field."

When Courtney first came to Pace, she spoke about the recent loss of her father to cancer, as well as the loss of her brother who was recently murdered. While Courtney and her mom struggled through their tears, Courtney continued to attend Pace. Through it all, they continued to support one another. Courtney is not only resilient but extremely responsible and communicates with us to let us know how she’s doing. After being behind, due to missing so much school for her health and family issues, Courtney has officially completed her middle school requirements.

"I enrolled at Pace because I was failing all my classes, fighting a lot, and skipping school. Things were challenging not only at school but also at home, I lived with my grandmother and three sisters. The staff at Pace saw something in me from the start and they never gave up, eventually I started to see it too. I worked with my counselor on improving my behavior and attitude, I learned how to express my feelings and accept support. I am so happy that after a lot of hard work I earned my high school diploma and will be enrolling in a nursing program to become a registered nurse. My goal is to have a successful career so that I can be the best mom for my son. I am so grateful for all that Pace has done for me."

Ximena enrolled at Pace Lee in April 2018 struggling with truancy and academic issue, related to a history of abuse and homelessness. Ximena excelled at Pace, taking full advantage of the social services and academic support. At Pace, Ximena learned to establish boundaries with her family and improve her school attendance. Last spring, Ximena had an opportunity to tour Florida SouthWestern College. After graduating in June, she is currently enrolled at FSWC full time and working part-time. Ximena no longer allows others to stop her from achieving her goals and hopes to complete a business management degree.

"I came to Pace from Leon High School, it was a rough time for me overall. I have older parents which meant older siblings growing up alone having to depend on friends and few family members. My experience at Pace was a roller coaster with the battle within myself, but I’ve overcome that battle. I’m at a new high school trying to achieve my goals. After high school I am planning to attend to Tallahassee Community College for the TCC to FAMU program. I want to be a CEO and be successful in life. I thank the Pace Leon staff so much for everything they helped me achieve."

Sarah is a fierce protector of her family and is a natural-born leader. She can think fast, and is solutions-focused and action-oriented. While these are great leadership qualities, they have caused her to occasionally clash with authority figures. Her behavior has also made it difficult to establish meaningful and constructive relationships with her peers and teachers.

While enrolled with the Pace Reach Counseling Program in Macon, Sarah learned about her own personal communication style, and how she shows and receives love with friends and family. She recognized her protective instinct and realized it stems from watching her family struggle with poverty, the absence of a father figure, and witnessing her mother in an abusive relationship.

*Name and details have been adjusted in this story for anonymity.

"My name is Zykeria and I am a proud 2021 Pace Graduate! I came to Pace because I was behind in school and was struggling at home. My counselor, Ms. Yolanda, helped me better communicate with my mom, and my teachers helped me in class. During the pandemic I worked at a retirement home, but I also stayed focused and earned 22.5 credits – plus I served on the Girls’ Leadership Council! Now I’m attending Manatee Technical College in the Patient Care Program. After I work for a year and save money, I will become a Registered Nurse."

When Terra’s father suggested Pace Marion, she was afraid she wouldn’t know anyone and didn’t want to attend. But once at Pace, she quickly met new friends, some who had similar background experiences to hers. “It made me feel better that other girls had been through the same things I had, and I didn’t feel so alone anymore.” Terra is now a student leader, often helping other girls learn to acclimate when they first start attending Pace. She definitely creates new partnerships on a regular basis, and was named Student of the Month for August 2021.

"When I first arrived at Pace, my grades were not good. I have always had a nonchalant attitude and I didn’t care about my grades or school in general, but with the help of my teachers and counselors, that changed. It never really occurred to me that my grades might stop me from graduating and once I realized that, all the teachers and staff did everything in their power to make sure I did what I was supposed to do. They encouraged me about getting my grades up, getting all my credits, and meeting my graduation requirements. I met all my goals and qualified to graduate early."

At 15 years old, Sheylin already knew she needed help. Instability at home left her stressed and seeking comfort in the wrong places. She was behind in school and scared of what her future held. Her parents were worried, too. Pace helped Sheylin set healthy goals, develop stronger coping mechanisms and see her potential. Exposure to college programs, consistent emotional support and individualized academic planning is helping Sheylin build the future she wants. When she grows up, her dream is to be an entrepreneur.

"I came to the States as a young girl from Honduras and only spoke Spanish. It was difficult to come here as an immigrant child and assimilate into a new culture. One of my biggest challenges was finding success in the educational system. I didn’t fit in with peers. I felt overlooked and like I didn’t belong. Pace became my safe place and my family. Now, I’ve graduated as the class Valedictorian, am employed, and working on enrolling in college to become a Paralegal. I am so grateful to say that I am a proud graduate from Pace Palm Beach."

I came to Pace for the first time in 2018 after I was struggling academically and with some negative peer influences. I came back a second time in the Fall of 2020, when I was really ready to make positive changes in my life. I wasn't sure I would graduate, but I was motivated to become the best version of myself. Thanks to the staff at Pace, I learned how to advocate for myself, accept myself, and take personal responsibility for my actions and choices. I am proud to say I maintained straight A's for the entire school year and I completed my graduation requirements at the end of the summer term. I have a job and will be starting college and plan to get a degree in the science field.

"I’m on the Girls Leadership Council for Pace Pinellas and I help plan to do things for the girls at Pace. I also speak with different Pace programs all over the state.

I’m working hard to go to college after high school to become a vet and become more independent.

One of the many things I love about Pace is the hard-working staff. They really help support us girls to find our voices and help us strive to become someone we want to be or need to be."

"I started Pace Polk in January 2020. Before coming to Pace, I struggled with controlling my emotions and communicating with others, which caused me to stress out. Since I have been at Pace, my grades have improved to A’s and B’s. I discovered my value and how powerful it is to be a woman. I enjoy the smaller classes, the learning environment, and having the opportunity to talk to my counselor at any time. After high school, I want to go into the medical field or become a teacher. Overall, I want to help others to become the best version of themselves."

“I don’t know where I would be if it wasn’t for Pace.” Eliette started at Pace when she was in middle school. She was dealing with trauma related with bullying, needed to strengthen her relationship with her parents and get back on track academically. Early on, Eliette exhibited characteristics of a leader. Fearless about speaking up regarding things that matter to her, she constantly advocated for herself and others. Eliette also used her powerful voice through artistic expression, as an active member of the Performing Arts Team. Eliette was able to recover all academic credits needed to move into her right grade. She increased her self-esteem and blossomed into a leader. Now in high school, Eliette stays in close contact with the staff at Pace to share about her good grades and how successful she continues to be.

"Before coming to Pace, I was going through a very difficult time and my depression was at a very bad peak. I was sleeping in all of my classes, and I had all F’s. Pace impacted me by providing me with strong role models and helping me to learn coping skills and social skills. During my time at Pace, I also became a role model for my younger peers. I would encourage them to do better in class and with their social skills. In Spring 2022, I will be enrolling in Daytona State College and will be going into Early Childhood Care and Development. I hope to be a Preschool Teacher. "

"I started with Pace in 2012 as an entry level program aide. My aspiration at the time was to be a counselor and make an even bigger impact with these girls on their journey to success. A few short years later I met that goal and entered one of the most rewarding phases of my career. Pace’s belief in its employees and empowering girls and women has now helped drive my success to higher levels. This year I was promoted to become Pace Marion’s social services manager. My goal now is to continue growing with this amazing organization!"

Pamela Calero Wardell is the chair of the Pace Marion Board. As Executive Director of the Reilly Performing Arts Center, she has helped enrich our girls and their family's lives, as well as our team members by providing opportunities to attend concerts and plays in our community. Her passion for Pace can be seen through her tireless fundraising efforts and by engaging with local artists and musicians to provide hands-on art activities for Pace girls.

"My journey with Pace first began through a donation made by my work team through the Office Dept #DepotDifference program. Since then, I have had the opportunity to work with the Pace girls through different endeavors such as Career Chats, Mentorship Movement, and Pace Day at the Capitol. Being able to teach young, underserved girls about the opportunities awaiting them after high school is a true passion of mine. I am now excited to deepen my role within the Pace Family as the new Secretary of the Board of Directors to help find the great in every girl!"

Pace Lee Board of Directors member and donor Jennifer Nelson knows the impact of Pace firsthand as the mother of her very own Pace girl. “As a single mom, I too have watched helplessly as my child changed due to experiences outside of my home and control.”

Jennifer started seeing changes in her daughter right before high school and what started with bullying turned into depression and bad choices. Before she knew it, her straight-A student was now bringing home poor grades.

“My daughter is an incredible young woman who grew up like many little girls with larger-than-life dreams,” says Jennifer. “However, being a teenage girl in today’s world is incredibly difficult. I knew I had to get her into a healthier environment, and Pace seemed like the right choice.”

With hard work and determination, her teenage daughter has propelled her life forward. Today she’s on track to graduate from Pace Lee and will start college courses at Florida SouthWestern State College.

“As a proud mom, I watched Pace restore my daughter’s confidence and desire to succeed,” says Jennifer. “As a proud board member, I continue to witness other Pace girls take back control and thrive. That’s why funding these programs is so important.”

Allison and Andy Cagnetta came to Florida in 1995, and quickly became committed to their new community.

Andy was introduced to Pace when he had an opportunity to meet Aggie Pappas, Vice President of Program Innovation and Strategic Implementation. Andy knew right away that he needed to connect his wife Allison, with her counseling background and commitment to helping youth and families, with Pace Broward. Soon after, Allison began volunteering with Pace Reach Program Services, then started the middle school book club at Pace, and later joined the Board of Directors in 2016. Allison served as Vice Chair in 2019 and was recently made Board Chair in 2020.

In addition to their commitment to Pace Broward, Allison and Andy have shown their leadership and shared their expertise with United Way of Broward County, LifeNet4Families, and Junior Achievement of South Florida.