
Pace’s Pinellas and Hillsborough centers have received funding in support of programs that serve local girls and young women
TAMPA, Fla. – FEBRUARY 24, 2021 – Pace Center for Girls’ (Pace), Pinellas and Hillsborough centers have received $150,000 from The Schoen Foundation to support Pace’s mission to provide girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy.
“Pace Center for Girls is a critical resource for helping girls overcome barriers and traumatic experiences that may lead them down the wrong path,” said Kathryn Schoen, Trustee of the Schoen Foundation. “We’re honored to be a part of investing into this next generation of women to empower them to be productive, successful contributors to their communities.”
Pace is one of the only multi-state gender-responsive, trauma-informed, and strength-based models for girls in the country, with a proven evidence base that has served more than 3,600 vulnerable girls across greater Tampa Bay since 1997. Dedicated to changing the lives of girls through the development of critical life, health and mental health, and academic skills, in which 96% were in school, higher education or employed one year after completing Pace.
“The Schoen Family has already helped Pace Pinellas serve more than 50 girls amidst the tremendous challenges brought on by 2020,” said Chantell Miles, Executive Director, Pace Center for Girls, Pinellas. “As our operations expand to provide more girls with academic and social services, we are incredibly grateful for the continued financial support.”
The Schoen Foundation’s continued support allows the centers to provide their girls with programs including the Growth & Change Behavior Modification system where girls celebrate milestones like developing new skills or positive thinking that encourages personal growth and transformation while at Pace.
Pace Pinellas has been a recipient of the Schoen Foundation’s generosity for several years, the longstanding relationship has led to additional support from the foundation to Pace’s Hillsborough center. This year, Pace Pinellas received a $100,000 contribution and Pace Hillsborough has received a $50,000 contribution from the Schoen Foundation.
“It’s because of generous donors like the Schoen Family that Pace Hillsborough can provide services designed to help our girls grow and develop,” said Davia Lerebours, Executive Director, Pace Center for Girls, Hillsborough. “This contribution will support our incentive-based programs, helping girls discover hidden abilities, develop new skills and grow their knowledge to advance their confidence and self-worth.”
For more information about Pace Center for Girls, visit www.pacecenter.org.
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About Pace Center for Girls
Founded in 1985 in Jacksonville, Florida, Pace Center for Girls serves more than 3,000 vulnerable girls annually in Florida and Georgia. Pace has received national recognition for its research-based and gender responsive model of program delivery, including academic support, counseling, and life-skills training. Learn more at PaceCenter.org