For almost three decades, Pace Center for Girls Leon has served more than 1,000 middle and high school girls in our community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With school back in session, I’m adding up the impact the center is having on girls in and outside of the classroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I have anger issues, kind of, and I’m trying to work on my anger issues,” said Taylor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Taylor has been at Pace for about a year now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The center provides counseling programs for social, emotional and behavioral health and support services for girls ages 11\u201317 and their families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are 70 girls enrolled, but the center serves around 120 girls each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before attending Pace, the center tells me 50% of girls were feeling sad and hopeless. After going through the program, 80% were feeling better and had healthier relationships with friends and family; something Taylor is experiencing first-hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I haven’t lashed out,” said Taylor. “I haven’t been angry including at home because the staff have been helping and teachers, everybody is helping.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We just make sure that the girl is safe,” said Avilus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Associate Executive Director Kristel Avilus said they’re happy to be additional support, especially for girls and families who fall into the ALICE population in the Southside of Tallahassee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“ALICE” stands for A<\/strong>sset L<\/strong>imited I<\/strong>ncome C<\/strong>onstrained, E<\/strong>mployed; or those earning above the poverty level but still living paycheck to paycheck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Whatever they’re struggling with, they know that they have another chance and they have a place that cares about them and people that care about them,” said Avilus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Avilus said their day program helps girls with their education too by having smaller class sizes and offering one-one-on support for subjects like reading and math.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “I’ve been not stressed out now this school year,” said Taylor. Having ADHD…. Taylor said getting her work done can be difficult. Now, she doesn’t have to worry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “I’m like oh wow I’m going to finish it when last school year I’m not going to finish it and I’m going to fail,” said Taylor. “Now, I get to finish it because all the teachers are going to help me.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n 60% of girls were failing in school before going to Pace but, after being in the program, 80%improved academically. Avilus attributes the success to their holistic approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “We see that girls grow so much because I’ve talked to my counselor about these things and gotten them out so academically now I can focus on my work,” said Avilus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Focus that Taylor said she’s glad to have. “I felt like they do care and stuff and that actually helps so much and makes me feel like I should be at Pace,” said Taylor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Avilus tells me they serve around 120 girls a year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re interested in enrolling in Pace or learning more about their programs, you can stop by or fill out the form online<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n