Welcome to Pace Hillsborough

Felicia was 16 years old and in the 9th grade when she enrolled at Pace Hillsborough. She wasn’t sure what she was looking for, but knew she needed something different. Over the past 4 years Felicia had struggled with explosive behaviors; she would fight with anyone who got in her way. Felicia was plagued with feelings of depression and anger. She often felt unworthy, alone and hopeless. After numerous referrals for peer related conflicts, fights, disruptive behaviors she was expelled from her high school.

Felicia’s problems were not only at school. She struggled in her relationship with her mother and the many other family members with whom they shared their tiny 2 bedroom apartment. Felicia would not physically fight at home but would leave home for days or weeks at a time after an argument with her mother or family members. She would stay with friends when possible and in abandoned houses when she had exhausted all of her resources. Felicia quickly learned how to get her needs met. She knew how to survive- but she was tired. She had always dreamed of getting a high school diploma, working as a cosmetologist and having her own family.

"Felicia successfully transitioned from Pace and continues to work towards her high school diploma at an adult high school. She has high hopes of becoming a cosmetologist after graduating in December 2015."

When Felicia heard about Pace Center for Girls, she had nothing to lose. She saw it as an opportunity for one last chance. Her first few days at Pace were interesting. She was amazed at the warmth and genuine interest staff had in her well-being. The staff seemed to care not only about her academic success but about who she was, what made her happy, what made her sad.
Felicia began to work with her counselor to explore her struggles with aggression, anger management and her inability to cope with life circumstances. Her counselor referred her to a psychiatrist who diagnosed her with bipolar disorder and prescribed her medication. She began working with her counselor on her emotional needs as well as her relationship with her mother. Her instances of fighting and running away decreased slowly. Felicia learned to use new skills to cope with life stressors.

Felicia’s attendance and academic successes increased steadily. She began taking and passing semester exams and earning credits. After 15 months Felicia earned enough credits to become a high school junior. She also gained part time employment at a local fast food restaurant. Felicia successfully transitioned from Pace and continues to work towards her high school diploma at an adult high school. She has high hopes of becoming a cosmetologist after graduating in December 2015.